The I-iisus-ii-V progression I-iisus-ii-V

Level: IntermediateMode: major
I Cmaj
iisus Dsus4
ii Dm
V G7

Piano sound loads on first tap. Resolved in the key of C — every chord links to its full analysis.

What each degree does

ICmaj

Feels like home — complete rest, where the piece departs from and returns to. The major tonic, where everything settles.

iisusDsus4

The suspended predominant — a ii with the 4th instead of the 3rd, erasing its minor colour for a moment and leaving it open on the way to the dominant.

iiDm

The predominant par excellence — a soft minor leaning toward the dominant. It's the first step of the classic ii–V–I.

VG7

Tension pulling home — the chord that 'wants to resolve' to I; it closes or opens sections. The dominant, the engine of the key.

More progressions of this level