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Progression · Jazz

3-6-2-5 Chord Progression (iii–VI–ii–V)

The classic jazz turnaround — four chords that circle back to the top of a tune without ever landing.

The Progression

Key of C major
iiiVIiiV

Why It Works

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Questions about the iii–VI–ii–V progression

What is a turnaround in jazz?

A short chord sequence, usually the last two bars of a section, that leads the ear back to the beginning of the form. Instead of sitting on the tonic, the turnaround keeps the harmony moving so the repeat feels like an arrival rather than a restart.

Why is the VI chord major (A7) instead of minor?

In C major the natural vi chord is A minor. Raising its third to C sharp turns it into A7, a dominant chord that points straight at D minor. That borrowed major third is the tension that makes the turnaround feel like it is going somewhere rather than drifting.

How does 3-6-2-5 relate to 1-6-2-5?

They are the same turnaround with a different first chord. 1-6-2-5 starts squarely on the tonic, Cmaj7. 3-6-2-5 swaps in Em7, which sounds like the tonic but is lighter and less final, so the sequence feels like it never quite touches the ground.

Related progressions & chords

I–vi–ii–VJazzii–V–IJazz Em7ChordA7ChordDm7ChordG7Chord