Lesson Scale Degree Theory
The Turnaround (I-vi-ii-V)
Back to the beginning
Prove it — just do the practice exercise.
CMaj7 Shell Voicing
- C
- R
- E
- 3
- B
- 7
The turnaround leads from the end back to the beginning:
• In C: CMaj7 → Am7 → Dm7 → G7
• I → vi: Tonic to minor substitute
• vi → ii: Down a fifth (sequence)
• ii → V: Down a fifth (cadence prep)
• V → I: Resolution (next chorus)
Each step goes down a fifth — the strongest harmonic principle.
• In C: CMaj7 → Am7 → Dm7 → G7
• I → vi: Tonic to minor substitute
• vi → ii: Down a fifth (sequence)
• ii → V: Down a fifth (cadence prep)
• V → I: Resolution (next chorus)
Each step goes down a fifth — the strongest harmonic principle.