Turnaround Chord Substitution
Relative Minor
It is common to substitute the relative minor chord for the IV chord. This is a IIm chord. For example, in the key of C the IV chord is F. The relative minor of F is Dm, which is the IIm chord (in the key of C).
E.g., Turnaround No. 1 becomes -
E.g., in the key of C -
E.g., Turnaround No. 2 becomes -
E.g., in the key of C -
Practice playing turnarounds No. 1 and No. 2 in various keys, using the previous substitution.
Chord Extensions
Turnarounds can also be played using chord extensions of the base chords. E.g., using major seventh and minor seventh chords.
Turnaround 1 Chord Extensions
E.g., Turnaround No. 1 becomes -
E.g., in the key of C -
If we substitute the relative minor (IIm) for the IVmaj7 chord,
E.g., Turnaround No. 1 becomes -
E.g., in the key of C -
Turnaround 2 Chord Extensions
E.g., Turnaround No. 2 becomes -
E.g., in the key of C -
If we substitute the relative minor (IIm) for the IVmaj chord,
E.g., Turnaround No. 2 becomes -
E.g., in the key of C -
Ninth Chords
It is possible to substitute the V7 chord with a ninth chord.
E.g., Turnaround No. 1 becomes -
E.g., in the key of C -
If we substitute the relative minor (IIm7) for the IVmaj7 chord,
E.g., Turnaround No. 1 becomes -
E.g., in the key of C -
E.g., Turnaround No. 2 becomes -
E.g., in the key of C -
If we substitute the relative minor (IIm7) for the IVmaj7 chord,
E.g., Turnaround No. 2 becomes -
E.g., in the key of C -
Starting on the IV Chord
Instead of starting all the previous turnarounds on the I chord, you can start on the IV chord.
E.g., Turnaround No. 1 becomes -
E.g., in the key of C -
E.g., Turnaround No. 1 becomes -
E.g., in the key of C -
There are hundreds of songs which use turnaround progressions. As well as the ones listed here, there are many Jazz Standards with more complex chord changes which are also based on turnaround progressions. The more familiar you are with these progressions and their various substitution possibilities, the more songs you will be able to learn quickly and the more you will be able to participate in Jam sessions.
