Chain in D (D)
Smooth ii - V - I melodic connection in close register in D major
The two-five-one progression links three primary harmonic functions without awkward leaps on the violin. Starting on E minor with the first finger on the D string and third finger on G natural, it flows into A7 with the second finger on C sharp. The melody resolves into D major where the tonic rests across two full measures.
What the violin plays, bar by bar
The progression
- Em
ii · Bar 1
- A7
V7 · Bar 2
- D
I · Bar 3-4
It runs in 4/4 at 88 beats per minute, so each bar lasts about 2.7 seconds and the whole round about 10.9.
Bar by bar
| Bar | Chord | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Em | E4G4B4G4 |
| 2 | A7 | A4C#5G4E4 |
| 3 | D | F#4A4D5A4 |
| 4 | D | F#4E4F#4D4 |
Notes with a dotted border are not part of the chord.
Where each chord sits
- Em
Bar 1, Em.
The guide notes are E4, the root, and G4, the minor third.
The phrase plays E4 on string 3 with finger 1, G4 on string 3 with finger 3, B4 on string 2 with finger 1 and G4 on string 3 with finger 3.
- A7
Bar 2, A7.
The guide notes are G4, the minor seventh, and C#5, the major third.
The phrase plays A4 on open string 2, C#5 on string 2 with finger 2, G4 on string 3 with finger 3 and E4 on string 3 with finger 1.
- D
Bar 3, D.
The guide notes are F#4, the major third, and A4, the fifth.
The phrase plays F#4 on string 3 with finger 2, A4 on open string 2, D5 on string 2 with finger 3 and A4 on open string 2.
- D
Bar 4, D.
The guide notes are F#4, the major third, and D4, the root.
The phrase plays F#4 on string 3 with finger 2, E4 on string 3 with finger 1, F#4 on string 3 with finger 2 and D4 on open string 3.
E is not a note of D.
How the root moves
E4 → A4 → D4
The roots are E4, A4 and D4. E4 to A4 goes up five semitones and A4 to D4 goes down seven semitones.
The lowest note of the circle is D4 and the highest D5. It uses strings 3 and 2. Strings 3 and 2 ring open at some point.
Chain in D (D) melodic line for violin
One measure per chord with the first position slurred phrase for four-string violin (G, D, A, E).
Show violin sheet music in treble clef
Questions about this violin progression
Why is the ii - V - I progression essential in instrumental training?
It establishes a natural arc of setup, tension, and resolution that forms the foundation of classical phrasing and jazz standards.
How can you keep the left hand relaxed between E minor and A7?
Avoid pressing your thumb into the neck. Allow your left forearm to rotate slightly so fingers drop cleanly across strings.
Why does D major hold for two measures at the end?
Holding the tonic over two bars gives the melody room to breathe and settle before repeating the progression.