The ii-V-I progression is the DNA of jazz. If you can hear it in real time you can follow almost any standard. Here’s the 30-day routine that finally made it click.
The progression
In C major: Dm7 → G7 → Cmaj7. The tension in the G7 resolves to the Cmaj7. Your ear needs to learn to expect that resolution.
Week 1-2: Passive listening
Queue up 20 minutes of Bill Evans or Miles Davis each day. Don’t analyze — just listen. Your brain is building the pattern bank before you try to identify anything consciously.
Week 3: Active identification with iReal Pro
App: iReal Pro (iOS/Android/Mac)
Daily routine:
- Set metronome: 60 BPM
- Play "Autumn Leaves" backing track
- Tap your hand on every V7 chord you hear
- Increase speed by 5 BPM every 3 daysWeek 4: Singing the changes
Sing the root movement: down a fifth from ii to V, up a fourth from V to I. Once you can sing it you can hear it.
What went wrong
Tried to learn by reading theory first — nothing clicked. The ear learns by hearing, not reading. Passive listening first is non-negotiable.
Checklist
- 20 min passive listening daily, weeks 1-2
- iReal Pro or similar: tap along to changes, week 3
- Sing root movements out loud, week 4
- Test: transcribe the first 8 bars of Autumn Leaves by ear