Songs that use 2 5 1 chord progressions

2 5 1s, often written down with roman numerals (ii V I) are potentially the most powerful chord progression for quickly and smoothly modulating to and from any key. On top of that, they just sound so satisfying and jazzy. From Coltrane to The Beatles to Maroon 5 you can find 2 5 1s in every corner of popular music!

And, an extra special thanks goes to Douglas Lind, Vidad Flowers, Ivan Pang, Waylon Fairbanks, Jon Dye, Austin Russell, Christopher Ryan, Toot & Paul Peijzel, the channel’s Patreon saints! 😇

[DavidBennettPiano]

Let me know your favourite example of a 2 5 1 chord progression in a song!

[kaybrown]

As a classically trained musician who always wanted to delve into jazz, I asked a friend of mine, a brilliant tenor sax player, what was at the core of jazz. He said, “Two - five -one.” Yup. 👍🏻

[Geoff_]

People who say The Beatles are overrated should watch these videos. So many of the videos feature them and help show their greatness

[parsafarjammusic]

Even when you think you know everything, David’s channel teaches you more…
I owe so much of what I know in composition to you David…

[wolfrayetofficialfilms]

Really amazing how just a simple dominant chord can take you to another key on the fly.

[Elwrt]

One of the BEST music theorist on YouTube. I really enjoy your videos and as a songwriter learning

[meller]

Whenever I hear this progression my brain instantly sings "sunday mornin' rain is falling..." Maroon 5 has a few colorful voicings in there but its a 2 5 1

[deementia]

That jazzy improv you played was so delightful. It brought me back to Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and the types of piano he'd have on his children's show. GREAT JOB!

[KingGrio]

That casual talking while doing all that playing on the piano legitimately makes me jealous of how easy it is for you. I play guitar, I can't have a casual conversation as I play.

[Jtmcad]

In "New York State of Mind" by Billy Joel, the bridge is made up entirely of 2-5-1's in different keys, similar to the piece at the end of the video.

[i.setyawan]

Virtually all key changes in your final improvisations are so smooth that my semi tone-deaf ears barely register that a key change has occured. Cool!

[rdvu]

As a music student, I adore and appreciate your videos so much. Thank you! :)

[BackyardRonin]

holy smokes! just last week i was searching to see if you did a video on 2, 5, 1. the universe works in mysterious ways

[deliusmyth]

The ur-251’s are “I Get A Kick Out Of You” and “I've Got You Under My Skin”, both by Cole Porter. And there's a topic for you, David: twin songs. Another pair I always think of together: “Tears Of A Clown/Tracks Of My Tears”.

[reginaldperiwinkle]

I think it's a nice touch to play a wandering jazz bass-line while you discuss musical concepts: (15:46). Might be something to incorporate on the regular. 😁

[landondavismusic]

Hello David! I felt like I should let you know that I really really appreciate all these videos that help people remember and feel different chord progressions, different intervals, etc. This is the very thing that I enjoy watching on YouTube. This is my content. Keep it up!

[berdeter]

Thank you so much for that one.

One of my preferred in your channel.

And of course your improv at the end is just ... Jazz !

[hi-five]

you did my idea! I feel so proud. I hope you'll make more of these!

[aria]

I've learned so much about music from you! Thanks for making my research easier :)

[khanes]

I noticed how a good number of pop songs simply loop a 2-5-1 chord progression throughout the whole song, and I always wondered why. This actually explains a lot, as well as why it's so common in jazz songs.