Now that you’ve worked through some phrases over the 1–6–2–5 progression, let’s connect that vocabulary to real music.

The 1–6–2–5 is a classic turnaround that shows up all over the Great American Songbook. It’s one of those progressions that keeps everything moving forward—it can sit at the end of a section, act as a bridge between phrases, or even carry a whole A section of a tune. Once you start listening for it, you’ll hear it everywhere.

To help you start applying the material, here’s a list of tunes that make great use of the 1–6–2–5. These are perfect for hearing how the progression works in context and for giving your new vocabulary a home.

Check out these tunes that feature a 1–6–2–5 progression:

• Gone with the Wind

• It’s Only a Paper Moon

• Polkadots and Moonbeams

• Sweet Lorraine

• Ain’t Misbehavin’

As always, pick one or two of these to dive into while you’re shedding the phrases from the previous lesson. Try to identify where the 1–6–2–5 is happening, and then begin inserting the vocabulary you’ve just learned. Over time, the progression will start to feel familiar under your fingers—and that’s when the magic starts to happen.

Once you’re feeling confident with the licks and have started working them into at least one of these tunes, you’re ready to move on to the next step.