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Progression lesson

Dm G C triad lesson for ii V I voice leading.

Use Dm G C to make the ii V I cadence visible under your fingers before you add bigger jazz vocabulary.

Dm G C triad lesson shown as a Guitar Triad Trainer lesson card.
Dm -> G -> C is the lesson loop. Keep the full progression visible and move through nearby triad shapes.
Progression Dm -> G -> C
Roman numerals ii V I
Starting tempo 110 BPM

The loop

Step 1 Dm Step 2 G Step 3 C

Six patterns

Play this progression three ways on G-B-E and three ways on D-G-B.

Each route starts from a different inversion, then follows the closest connected triad shapes through the same progression.

G-B-E patterns

G-B-E

Root-position start

Recorded from the app: G-B-E root-position start.

Start from the root on this string set, then let the planner choose the closest next shape.

  1. Dm G7 R | B6 3 | E5 5 root
  2. G G7 5 | B8 R | E7 3 2nd inv.
  3. C G9 3 | B8 5 | E8 R 1st inv.
G-B-E

First-inversion start

Recorded from the app: G-B-E first-inversion start.

Start from the third in the bass of this three-string set, then keep the next shapes nearby.

  1. Dm G10 3 | B10 5 | E10 R 1st inv.
  2. G G7 5 | B8 R | E7 3 2nd inv.
  3. C G9 3 | B8 5 | E8 R 1st inv.
G-B-E

Second-inversion start

Recorded from the app: G-B-E second-inversion start.

Start from the fifth in the bass of this three-string set, then follow the closest connected route.

  1. Dm G2 5 | B3 R | E1 3 2nd inv.
  2. G G4 3 | B3 5 | E3 R 1st inv.
  3. C G5 R | B5 3 | E3 5 root

D-G-B patterns

D-G-B

Root-position start

Recorded from the app: D-G-B root-position start.

Start from the root on this string set, then let the planner choose the closest next shape.

  1. Dm D12 R | G10 3 | B10 5 root
  2. G D9 3 | G7 5 | B8 R 1st inv.
  3. C D10 R | G9 3 | B8 5 root
D-G-B

First-inversion start

Recorded from the app: D-G-B first-inversion start.

Start from the third in the bass of this three-string set, then keep the next shapes nearby.

  1. Dm D3 3 | G2 5 | B3 R 1st inv.
  2. G D5 R | G4 3 | B3 5 root
  3. C D5 5 | G5 R | B5 3 2nd inv.
D-G-B

Second-inversion start

Recorded from the app: D-G-B second-inversion start.

Start from the fifth in the bass of this three-string set, then follow the closest connected route.

  1. Dm D7 5 | G7 R | B6 3 2nd inv.
  2. G D9 3 | G7 5 | B8 R 1st inv.
  3. C D10 R | G9 3 | B8 5 root

Why this progression works

Dm feels unresolved, G tightens the pull, and C lets the cadence relax. Because the progression is short, it is one of the fastest ways to hear whether your triad movement is actually leading somewhere.

What to practice

Make G feel like it points into C. The lesson works when the final C sounds like a landing, not just the next shape in a drill.

  1. Start with a Dm triad that leaves room for G nearby.
  2. Choose the G inversion that creates the strongest pull into C.
  3. Land on C with as little hand movement as possible.
  4. Repeat the loop and try a different starting Dm inversion.

Workout settings

  • Strings: 3-2-1 first
  • Tempo: 88 to 110 BPM
  • Goal: make the cadence resolve without a big position jump
Full progression strip in Guitar Triad Trainer.
The full loop stays visible while current and next shapes are highlighted.
Nearest triad shape on the Guitar Triad Trainer fretboard.
Nearest-shape practice keeps the movement musical and playable.

Good search intents for this lesson

  • Dm G C guitar
  • ii V I guitar
  • jazz cadence guitar
  • voice leading guitar

Practice Dm -> G -> C in time.

Guitar Triad Trainer keeps the progression visible, highlights the current and next moves, and helps you choose connected CAGED shapes.

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