How to Play Chet Baker II-V-I Licks in All Keys
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How to Play Chet Baker II-V-I Licks in All Keys

Jazz trumpet players often seek ways to enrich their improvisation with authentic, expressive phrases. One of the most effective tools in jazz vocabulary is the II-V-I progression, a fundamental harmonic movement that appears in countless standards. Chet Baker, a legendary jazz trumpeter, crafted distinctive II-V-I licks that combine lyrical phrasing with harmonic sophistication. Learning to play these licks in all keys will elevate your jazz trumpet playing and deepen your understanding of jazz harmony.

This post guides you through mastering Chet Baker’s II-V-I licks across all keys, offering practical exercises and tips to integrate these phrases into your improvisation.


Chet Baker ii-v-i licks
Chet Baker ii-v-i licks

Here are 3 easy Chet licks I transcribed from the book, available in my Gumroad store



Understanding the II-V-I Progression in Jazz


The II-V-I progression is the backbone of jazz harmony. It consists of three chords:


  • II chord: a minor seventh chord built on the second scale degree (e.g., Dm7 in C major)

  • V chord: a dominant seventh chord built on the fifth scale degree (e.g., G7 in C major)

  • I chord: a major seventh chord built on the tonic (e.g., Cmaj7)


This progression creates tension and resolution, making it a perfect framework for improvisation. Chet Baker’s licks often highlight the chord tones and guide listeners through this harmonic journey with smooth, melodic lines.


Why Learn Chet Baker’s II-V-I Licks?


Chet Baker’s style is known for its lyrical, almost vocal quality. His II-V-I licks:


  • Emphasize melodic clarity and emotional expression

  • Use chromaticism and enclosures to add color

  • Highlight chord tones and guide the ear through harmonic changes

  • Are adaptable to any key, making them versatile tools for improvisation


By learning these licks in all keys, you develop muscle memory and a deeper understanding of how to navigate chord changes fluidly.


Breaking Down a Classic Chet Baker II-V-I Lick


Let’s analyze a simple but effective Chet Baker II-V-I lick in the key of C major:


Simple Chet Baker ii-v-i in C major
Simple Chet Baker ii-v-i in C major

  • Over Dm7 (II): Start on 5th, syncopation from the 3rd to root, passing tone to -

  • Over G7 (V): 3rd - syncopation to the 9th

  • Over Cmaj7 (I): Start on major 7th, down the scale (with chromatic passing note) ending on the 3rd.

Beautifully melodic, lot's of chord tones and more importantly, the 3rd! Think, the only difference between a major chord and minor, is the 3rd. Very strong melodic possibilities!


In the book, there are another 9 licks, in all keys as well as another 10 minor licls, again in all keys too!


This lick uses chord tones and a chromatic passing note to create a smooth, flowing line.


Exercises to Play II-V-I Licks in All Keys


Step 1: Learn the Lick in One Key


  • Start with C major

  • Play the lick slowly, focusing on tone and rhythm

  • Use a metronome to keep steady time


Step 2: Transpose the Lick (with the book, it's already done for you)


  • Move the lick up a half step to C# major, then D major, and so on

  • Practice all 12 keys systematically

  • Use a circle of fifths chart to help visualize key relationships


Step 3: Improvise Using the Lick


  • Play backing tracks or use a loop pedal with II-V-I progressions

  • Insert the lick naturally within your solos

  • Experiment with slight variations to make it your own


Step 4: Combine with Other Licks (Get the free Autumn leaves solo with the Chet licks alredy in it, check end of post)


  • Mix Chet Baker’s II-V-I licks with your own phrases

  • Practice connecting licks smoothly across chord changes


Here is a way you could practice the licks to really get them into your ears and fingers!

You may need to do this only a few times, or, if you are like me, hundreds and hundreds!


Chet Baker ii-v-i licks practice idea, suggestion
Chet Baker ii-v-i licks practice idea, suggestion

Tips for Effective Practice


  • Use a tuner and metronome to develop accuracy and timing

  • Record yourself to evaluate tone and phrasing

  • Practice slowly, then gradually increase speed

  • Focus on clean articulation and breath control

  • Listen to Chet Baker recordings to internalize his style


Applying These Licks in Real Jazz Settings


When playing with a band or jam session:


  • Identify II-V-I progressions in the tune

  • Use Chet Baker’s licks as building blocks for your solos

  • Adapt the licks to fit the song’s tempo and mood

  • Pay attention to dynamics and phrasing to convey emotion


Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them


  • Difficulty transposing: Break down the lick into smaller segments and transpose one phrase at a time.

  • Lack of fluidity: Slow down practice and focus on smooth transitions between notes.

  • Forgetting fingerings: Use scale and arpeggio exercises to reinforce finger patterns.

  • Inconsistent tone: Practice long tones and focus on breath support.


I have 5 free jazz lessons for you if tyou join the newsletter that use what I think is a Chet Baker approach, namely, targeting chord notes and linking with syncopation, language and motifs!


Join Newsletter for FREE lessons (taken from my membership)


Get the bundle of Major and Minor Chet Baker ii-v-i licks in all keys -



Check out this blog post on approach improvisation from a diatomic, key centre approach, much like Chet does!

It has an image with all of the major ii-v-i licks in C major!


Warm regards Darren.


5 free jazz lessons when you join my newsletter

 
 
 
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