Smooth Chord Progressions

vi7 → ii7 → V7 → Imaj7

The quintessential jazz turnaround with rich 7th chords. The vi7-ii7-V7-Imaj7 follows the circle of fifths for smooth voice leading, perfect for chill coffeehouse vibes and neo-soul.

vi → V

The haunting minor reggae progression. Just two chords create an endless, meditative groove with a slightly melancholic edge.

i7 → v7 → VI7

The soulful 90s house progression. Dm7-Am7-Bbmaj7 creates that uplifting piano house sound. The simple three-chord loop with stabs and soul vocals defined early 90s club music.

iii7 → vi7 → ii7 → V7

The diatonic circle of fifths progression with 7th chords. Each chord's root is a fifth below the previous, creating smooth harmonic motion that resolves to the I chord.

vi7 → iii7 → IV7 → V

The smooth 90s R&B groove. Fm7-Cm7-Db7-Eb in Ab creates that laid-back, sensual atmosphere. The ii7-v7-IV7-V creates smooth voice leading that became the blueprint for 90s slow jams.

Imaj7 → II7 → ii7 → bII7

The sophisticated Brazilian progression featuring jazzy major 7th chords and chromatic movement. The tritone substitution creates that smooth, elegant bossa feel.

iv7 → VII7 → v7 → i7

The minor-key groove of 80s Japanese city pop. Gm7-C7-Am7-Dm7 creates that sophisticated, urban nightlife feel. This jazzy progression captures the bittersweet, nostalgic quality that defines the genre.

i7 → bVII7 → VI7 → V7

A sophisticated minor jazz progression with all dominant 7th chords descending chromatically. Creates a smooth, bebop-influenced sound.

Imaj7 → bII7 → Imaj7

The ultimate jazz substitution - replacing V7 with bII7 (a tritone away). Creates a chromatic bass line and unexpected color that defines modern jazz harmony.