Jazz rhythm changes (A section) progression on ukulele
What is the Jazz rhythm changes (A section) progression?
The Jazz rhythm changes (A section) progression is C, Am, DmDmDmDm and G (I–vi–ii–V), in the key of C major. Read as harmonic function it moves tonic → tonic → subdominant → dominant, arriving home on a cadence. Play one chord per bar and let it loop.
Play any song you love and it does this: leaves home, takes a walk, and at the right moment somebody yells "come back!". This progression is that route, road sign by road sign: C (I, home) → Am (vi, home) → Dm (ii, the stroll) → G (V, time to come back). Hit play and follow with your finger on the names — when you reach the chord marked "time to come back", notice your own body waiting for C — the home chord.
Ukulele
Its fourth string is tuned higher than you would expect, so a chord's notes bunch close together instead of spreading from low to high, giving that clear, chiming sound. The ukulele has a real jazz streak from the swing era, and its close, clustered chords suit cheerful backing; just remember it colours the harmony rather than anchoring it, since there is no bass note underneath. Its home chord C keeps its lowest note on C and rings 3 open strings.
Cadences: Harmony comes to rest here: hear cadences on the neck, 9 free and another one each week · use it in Chord and Fret
Save this progression in Chord and FretReharmonize: Want richer substitutions? Reharmonize's Subtle and Medium levels are free; Bold and Jazz are part of Pro · see it in Chord and Fret
Learn each chord of the trip
This is one shape of C. In the app, every chord in this progression comes with its other shapes and audio, free. Open in Chord and Fret →
Metronome: Drill this change in time, with tap tempo and subdivisions · try it in Chord and Fret