How to Practice ii–V–I Progressions Without Overthinking

Feb 2

Have you ever been told to play dorian and mixolydian while improvising in jazz? One of the biggest mistakes I see jazz students make in trying to learn improvisation is overcomplicating the theory behind the chords.

Too many modes and students feel pressure to “play perfect,” or “get it right”, when practicing ii-V-I.

My goal is to give you clarity with a simplification of the process for those who want to work on fluidity in improvisation.

Step 1: Start With the Parent Major Scale

Most ii-V-I resolve to the major key, or the chords are moving in that direction. Therefore, you can start with the major scale of the I chord.

For example:

Dm7 - G7 - Cmaj7
Use C major

This trains your ear to hear the resolution instead of memorizing rules.

Step 2: Internalize the major scale slowly

Play the major scale in quarter notes, up and down, at 80 BPM. Then play it again at 110 BPM. Play it again at 160 BPM. Then play it at eighth notes at 100 BPM. You want to become very familiar with this scale so you can have a framework for fluid improvisation.

Step 3: Practice the major scale with a ii-V-I backing track

Practice the major scale with a backing track that consists of the ii V7 I. I’ve linked up a playlist below of all our ii V7 I backing tracks.

The Goal of ii V I practice

The goal is recognition, not speed. When you recognize ii-V movement in real music, improvisation becomes easier because you already know what to play and where the harmony is going.