4.17Voice leading in ii–V–I

Now let's apply this to the most important jazz progression:

Dm7 → G7 → Cmaj7

Root-position 7th chords:

Dm7:

D F A C

G7:

G B D F

Cmaj7:

C E G B

These jump around.

Instead, try:

Dm7: F A C E

G7: F G B D

Cmaj7: E G B C

Notice:

Dm7 → G7

F stays F

A → G

C → B

E → D

Everything moves a small amount.

Then G7 → Cmaj7:

F → E

G stays G

B stays B

D → C

This is voice leading in action.