The Dominant Cycle

The Dominant Cycle is one of the two most frequently encountered harmonic progressions found in the jazz language. The root motion progresses down seven ½ steps, or up five ½ steps (same result). It models the V7-I cadence. However, the cycle progression is extended, offering a succession of dominant chords.

Once you begin the Dominant Cycle progression, you can continue it and you will eventually have encountered Dominant 7th chords in all 12 keys. This is a nice feature as it offers a great way to practice through all keys. Many 32 bar tunes having AABA forms feature the Dominant Cycle Progression during the B section.

Inherent in a Dominant 7th chord is a tritone (six ½ steps) between the 3rd and the b7th. This interval creates much tension and is best resolved by moving to a I chord. This V7 to I progression is the driving force of western harmony.

Voice leading through the Dominant Cycle:

If you play the 3rd of a dominant chord in the progression, the strongest voice leading would have you move down a ½ step to the b7 of the following dominant chord. Continuing to a third chord in the dominant cycle would have you voice leading down to a 3rd.  And, continuing to a fourth chord in the dominant cycle would have you voice leading down, once again, to a b7. This pattern of descending a ½ step, alternating 3rd - b7 - 3rd - b7… in the dominant cycle is strong and creates smooth connections between successive chords. This motion is a prime example of a ‘guide tone’ line.

Other names for the Dominant Cycle are Circle of Fourths, Circle of Fifths or Cycle of Fifths.