The ii-V7-I is one of the most used chord progressions in jazz and pop. If you’re a trumpet player looking to improve your improvisation then mastering ii-V7-I drills is a must. These drills will help you navigate chord progressions and improve your phrasing, timing and overall trumpet technique. In this article, we’ll go over what the ii-V7-I is, why it’s important and how to practice drills on the trumpet.
What is the ii-V7-I Progression?
The ii-V7-I is a sequence of chords used in jazz. It has three chords:
- ii (minor): The second degree of the scale, a minor chord.
- V7 (dominant): The fifth degree of the scale, a dominant 7th chord.
- I (major): The tonic or root chord, a major chord.
For example in the key of C major the ii-V7-I would be:
- ii: D minor (D, F, A)
- V7: G dominant 7 (G, B, D, F)
- I: C major (C, E, G)
This creates tension (V7) and resolution (I) so its a fundamental in jazz and classical music for improvisation and composition.
Why Are ii-V7-I Drills Important for Trumpet Players?
For trumpet players, learning and mastering the ii-V7-I progression gives you:
- Improvisation: Jazz improvisation is built on this progression. Knowing the ii-V7-I changes means you can build more cohesive and complex solos.
- Ear Training: Practicing ii-V7-I drills helps you recognize and respond to changes in real time.
- Technical Proficiency: ii-V7-I drills require good articulation, breath support and embouchure, so it’s a great exercise for overall trumpet playing.
- Phrasing and Timing: These drills can help you develop a better sense of timing, phrasing, and rhythm as you navigate chord changes.
How to Practice ii-V7-I Drills on Trumpet
1. Start with the Basics: Play Arpeggios
Before you get into complex licks or patterns, play simple arpeggios for each chord in the ii-V7-I. Start slowly to be accurate and in control.
- In C major:
- D minor arpeggio: D – F – A
- G7 arpeggio: G – B – D – F
- C major arpeggio: C – E – G
This will help you internalize the chord tones and understand the harmony of the progression. Practice arpeggios in all keys to be versatile with different songs and scales.
2. Scale Patterns
Now play scale patterns over the ii-V7-I. For example in C major:
- D Dorian scale (D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D) over the ii
- G Mixolydian scale (G, A, B, C, D, E, F, G) over the V7
- C Ionian (major) scale (C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C) over the I
Try different patterns, ascending or descending scales to get to know the tonal possibilities of the progression.
3. Add Chromaticism
Chromatic notes are used in jazz to add tension and color. Try chromatic passing tones in your ii-V7-I drills.
- For example, while playing the D minor arpeggio, add a chromatic passing note between F and A (F – F# – A).
- Over the V7 chord, use chromatic approach notes to lead into chord tones of the I chord. For example, approach the root of the I chord (C) from a half step below (B to C).
Chromaticism makes you more advanced.
4. Work on Patterns and Licks
After you’ve mastered arpeggios and scales, work on specific patterns or licks that fit the ii-V7-I progression. You can create your own or learn famous jazz licks from trumpet legends like Miles Davis or Clifford Brown.
For example, try this common ii-V7-I lick in C:
- Over the D minor (ii) chord: D – F – A – E
- Over the G7 (V7) chord: G – B – D – F – E
- Over the C major (I) chord: C – E – G
Licks build vocabulary for improvisation. Practice these in all 12 keys.
5. Focus on Articulation and Dynamics
When doing ii-V7-I drills pay attention to articulation and dynamics. Jazz playing isn’t just about playing the right notes it’s about how you play them.
- Mix legato (smooth) and staccato (short, detached) articulations in your phrases.
- Practice playing soft and loud passages and focus on control of tone and pitch at different volumes.
Good articulation and dynamics make your playing more expressive.
6. Improvise Over Backing Tracks
Once you’ve worked on the technical stuff start improvising over ii-V7-I backing tracks. This is where you can put your drills into practice in a musical context.
- Play along with backing tracks in different keys and tempos.
- Focus on playing musical phrases that flow through the ii-V7-I changes.
- Don’t be afraid to try new things and explore different ways of playing the progression.
The goal is to be able to improvise over the ii-V7-I in real-time using the drills as a foundation.
Trumpet ii-V7-I Drill Examples
Here are some trumpet exercises to add to your practice:
Exercise 1: Arpeggios
- ii (D minor): D – F – A – D
- V7 (G7): G – B – D – F
- I (C major): C – E – G – C
Do these arpeggios in different keys, up and down.
Exercise 2: Scale Patterns
- Over ii: Dorian scale (D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D)
- Over V7: Mixolydian scale (G, A, B, C, D, E, F, G)
- Over I: Ionian (major) scale (C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C)
Play these scales with different rhythms.
Exercise 3: Chromatic
- Use chromatic passing notes to lead into chord tones:
- F – F# – G (over G7)
- B – C (approaching I)
Exercise 4: Improvisation
- Use all of the above to improvise over an ii-V7-I.
- Focus on coherent musical ideas while keeping harmony in mind.
Conclusion
Working ii-V7-I on the trumpet is key to developing your improvisation, technique and overall musicianship. By doing these exercises you will become more comfortable with this progression and be able to improvise with freedom and creativity. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced player, do ii-V7-I in your practice and you’ll take your trumpet playing to the next level.
