Back to alphabetical overview – click here
Turnaround – Definition
A turnaround is a short chord progression that leads the music back to the beginning of a section or prepares the next phrase. It creates forward motion and helps maintain the flow of a song.
What is a Turnaround?
Turnarounds most commonly appear near the end of a verse, chorus, or twelve-bar blues progression. One of the best-known examples is the I–vi–ii–V progression, which builds harmonic tension before resolving naturally back to the tonic.
Although closely associated with blues and jazz, turnarounds are also widely used in pop, rock, gospel, country, and many other styles to create smooth transitions between repeated sections.
Why are Turnarounds important for pianists?
Learning common turnarounds helps pianists connect song sections naturally, accompany singers more effectively, and create more interesting chord progressions. Turnarounds are also valuable tools for improvisation and arranging.
Mastering a few classic turnaround patterns gives pianists greater harmonic flexibility and makes repeated chord progressions sound more musical and engaging.