You arrived at this page because you’re interested in the classic 6-2-5-1 turnaround progression and its variations.
The turnaround progression is commonly found in American popular music styles; most especially in Jazz, Gospel, R ‘n’ B, etc., and that’s why we’re dedicating this lesson to extensively break it down and also cover its variations.
Now, let’s get started by assuming that you know nothing about the classic 6-2-5-1 turnaround progression.
A Quick Review On The Classic 6-2-5-1 Turnaround Progression
A chord progression is a product of the movement of chords from one degree of the scale to another.
Every tone of the scale in any key is considered as a degree and is assigned a number. In the key of C major:
C is the 1
D is the 2
E is the 3
F is the 4
G is the 5
A is the 6
B is the 7
So, the 6-2-5-1 turnaround progression consists of the movement of chords from the 6-chord, to the 2-chord, to the 5-chord, to the 1-chord.
In the key of C major:
…a 6-2-5-1 root progression will progress from A (which is the sixth tone):
…to D (the second tone):
…then to G (the fifth tone):
…then to C (the first tone):
“Here Are The Chords…”
Example #1 – For Intermediate Players
The 6-chord (A minor seventh chord):
The 2-chord (D minor seventh chord):
The 5-chord (G dominant seventh chord):
The 1-chord (C major seventh chord):
Example #2 – For Advanced Players
The 6-chord (A minor eleventh chord):
The 2-chord (D minor eleventh chord):
The 5-chord (G altered chord):
The 1-chord (C major ninth chord):
Variations Of The Classic 6-2-5-1 Turnaround Progression
The classic 6-2-5-1 turnaround has variations and the harmony and approach largely depends not only on the music style but on the keyboardist.
Let’s consider some of these variations.
Variation #1 – Jazz
In this variation, dominant seventh [flat ninth] chords are used extensively. Most importantly, you need to notice the descent of the right hand diminished seventh chord in half-steps.
“Here Are The Chords…”
The 6-chord:
…is the A dom7 (b9).
The 2-chord:
…is the D dom7 (b9).
The 5-chord:
…is the G dom7 (b9).
The 1-chord:
…is the A dom9 (add13).
Variation #2 – Blues
This variation of the classic 6-2-5-1 turnaround progression sounds bluesy and energetic. The first two chords are dominant ninth chords while the last two chords in the turnaround are dominant ninth [add thirteenth] chords.
“Here Are The Chords…”
The 6-chord:
…is the A dom9.
The 2-chord:
…is the D dom9.
The 5-chord:
…is the G dom9 (add13).
The 1-chord:
…is the C dom9 (add13).
Variation #3 – Gospel
The gospel approach to the classic 6-2-5-1 turnaround progression is unique because of the resolution of the 6-chord to a sophisticated minor 11th 2-chord. The progression from the 5-chord to the 1-chord will also turn heads.
“Here Are The Chords…”
The 6-chord:
…is the A dom7 (b9).
The 2-chord:
…is the D min11.
The 5-chord:
…is the G dom7 (#5).
The 1-chord:
…is the C 6/9.
Variation #4 – R ‘n’ B
You’d love this turnaround progression because it sounds warm and sophisticated at the same time. When played with an e-piano voice on the keyboard, you’ll sound like one of the top keyboardists you admire.
“Here Are The Chords…”
The 6-chord:
…is the A min9.
The 2-chord:
…is the D min9.
The 5-chord:
…is the G 13sus4.
The 1-chord:
…is the C maj9.
Variation #5 – Smooth Jazz
This variation of the classic 6-2-5-1 turnaround progression sounds sentimental. The use of an altered chord as the 6-chord gives the turnaround the right energy to get started with. You’d sure love this.
“Here Are The Chords…”
The 6-chord:
…is the A dom7 (#9,#5).
The 2-chord:
…is the D min9.
The 5-chord:
…is the G dom9 (add13).
The 1-chord:
…is the C 6/9.
Final Words
I’m doubly sure that your chordal vocabulary will improve considerable with the variations of the classic 6-2-5-1 chord progression that we’ve covered in this blog.
I recommend that you practice playing these variations in all twelve keys.
See you in the next lesson.
