Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Pianist Corner - Non Classical II-V-III-VI progressions

Hi guys,

I've had this little riff running through my head for months. I'm not quite up to posting a video of it but it's a II-V-III-VI progression that repeats 3 or 4 times.

In E-flat, it starts on Fm7, goes to Bb7, to Gm to C7, repeats the phrase a couple of times, than resolves with a II-V-I.

It's a simple thing, really, and I'm suffering a mental block. I just can't think of a tune that uses such a progression. I know, they're probably everywhere but my brain just can't seem to pick it out.

Sometimes, I wonder if I could have done well in jingles because I seem to always have these little phrases that run through my brain that are not usually more than a few lines.

Anyway, I thought you guys might have an example or two that pops into your head. Truthfully, I kinda wanted to figure out if I'm playing something of someone else's or whether it is actually something that came from within.

Thanks!

I'll Remember April

It's also a very common vamp to use at the end of a tune even when it's not written in.

Satin Doll
In C major:
Dm7 G7 Em7 A7, or ii V iii VI
Resolves like you mentioned:
D7 Db7(G7) Cmaj7

Thanks!

I think towards the end of Fly Me To The Moon uses Dm7 - G7 - Em7 - A7 and then a ii-V-I in C

Hi Bellyman,

The progression you mention is a common turnaround at the end of a song. You can keep repeating it as you want. Usually repeated 2 or 3 times.

Here is another tune that uses pretty much uses the chords you mention with a little more:

I've got you under my skin. F-7 Bb7 Ebmaj7 G-7 C7 this progression is used most of the way through the track.

all the best

Greg

Thanks, guys!

I really should figure out how to do a youtube video and play you guys the one that rolls around in my head as it's not really similar to any of the tunes mentioned.

Will have to go have a look at youtube... and see if I can find a tutorial on how to post to youtube! LOL!!

Almost like being in love ?