Major 251 Progression Tutorial
The 251 progression is the most common progression in jazz. Most jazz standards and lead sheets that you come across will contain a 251 progression in some form so it is essential that you know how to construct and play the 251.
In this lesson we discuss the basics of the progression and what to look out for to identify 251s on lead sheets and jazz standards.
Downloadable Lesson Supplement
The first step is to learn and memorise the major 251 progression using the 3 note voicings found in this lesson supplement:
You will also come across incomplete 251s which are known as 25s. Being able to spot 25s and 251s will greatly improve your ability to pick up and play a lead sheet.
You need to be able to visualise this progression with the 3rd on the bottom and the 7th on the bottom. We cover both of these starting positions in the lesson.
The Rootless 251 & Minor 251 Progressions
Once you are comfortable with the major 251, you can then move onto the rootless major 251 progression and the minor 251. These 2 progressions are more challenging and you can watch these tutorials in the course on Left Hand Voicings.