Ragtime Chord Progression (I VI7 II7 V7)
The Ragtime progression is the chord progression I-VI7-II7-V7. In the key of C major it is C A7 D7 G7, and in the Nashville Number System it is written 1 6(7) 2(7) 5(7).
Chords from outside the key of C major: A7, D7.
Jump to the chords and audio in C, G, D, A and E
Why it works
A chain of secondary dominants: each dominant seventh is the V of the next chord, so roots fall by fifths A-D-G-C. VI7 and II7 borrow the leading tones of ii and V, which gives the bouncing, chromatic sound of ragtime and early jazz.
How to use it
This is known as the ragtime progression and follows the secondary dominants from the circle of fifths. It originated in classical music but found its true home in jazz and even some folk. It is used in similar manners to other jazz circle progressions.
Songs that use it
These are the chords as played in each song, in the song's own key.
| Song | Artist | Section | Chords | Key |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hello! My Baby | Howard & Emerson | chorus | F D7 G7 C7 | F major |
| Creepin Up The Backstairs | The Fratellis | verse | G E7 A D7 | G major |
| Poisoning Pigeons In The Park | Tom Lehrer | intro and verse | C A7 D7 G7 | C major |
Keep learning
Ragtime Chord Progression: Chords and Audio in C, G, D, A and E
Press play to hear each key. The diagrams show the shapes used in the audio, and every chord links to its full page.
More progressions like this one
- I-IV-II-V: C F D G
- Montgomery-Ward bridge: C F Dm G
- iii-vi-ii-V: Em Am Dm G
- I-VI-ii-V: C A Dm G
All guitar chord progressions →
Created by
Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher
FAQ
What are the chords of the Ragtime progression in each key?
In C major: C A7 D7 G7. In G major: G E7 A7 D7. In D major: D B7 E7 A7. In A major: A F#7 B7 E7. In E major: E C#7 F#7 B7.
Which songs use the Ragtime progression?
Songs that use it include Hello! My Baby by Howard & Emerson, Creepin Up The Backstairs by The Fratellis, Poisoning Pigeons In The Park by Tom Lehrer.
