Ragtime Circle of Fifths I-VI7-II7-V
Piano sound loads on first tap. Resolved in the key of C — every chord links to its full analysis.
A whole chain of secondary dominants: every chord is a DOMINANT 7th pulling to the next by descending fifth (VI7→II7→V→I). This 'ragtime' or 'barbershop' cascade generates relentless forward drive and is the engine of early-jazz and Tin-Pan-Alley turnarounds.
What each degree does
Feels like home — complete rest, where the piece departs from and returns to. The major tonic, where everything settles.
The V OF ii — an applied dominant pushing toward ii (the 'rhythm changes' flavour). A major VI with a 7th tonicising the predominant.
The V OF V — an applied dominant pushing toward the key's dominant. A major II with a 7th, extra tension before V.
Tension pulling home — the chord that 'wants to resolve' to I; it closes or opens sections. The dominant, the engine of the key.