cycle of fifths

[Jelle de Jong]

Hi Richie,

Probably I am missing something obvious, but in the lesson book you mention at least twice that the cycle of fifths is the ideal harmonic vehicle for the improvising musician (or something similar). Why is that actually the case? Because of the more voice leading possibilities, with two primary guide tones being half steps away for subsequent chords?

Regards,

Jelle

[Richie]

In essence because the majority of chord progressions in standards progress through the cycle of descending 5ths making it a a consistent and predictable pattern which is evident in II-V-I cadences. Please be sure to watch the 2 cycle of 5ths videos for more insight: https://bebopguitar.richiezellon.com/chord-studies

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