D Ragtime Cycle
I – VI7 – II7 – V progression in D major
D Ragtime Cycle — I – VI7 – II7 – V
The D Ragtime Cycle (D – B – E – A) follows the circle of fifths by transforming the vi and ii into secondary dominant 7th chords (VI7 and II7). The relentless forward drive through the cycle defined ragtime piano and early jazz. With full seventh chord voicings (DMaj7 – B7 – E7 – A7), the cycle-of-fifths motion becomes irresistible.