Do Ragtime Cycle
I – VI7 – II7 – V progression in Do major
Do Ragtime Cycle — I – VI7 – II7 – V
The C Ragtime Cycle (C – A – D – G) converts the vi and ii into secondary dominant 7th chords, driving relentlessly through the circle of fifths. Mixolydian Pentatonic outlines each dominant chord cleanly; the Bebop scale adds chromatic passing tones for authentic ragtime and early jazz phrasing. Mixolydian mode fills out the full chord-scale vocabulary. With seventh voicings (CMaj7 – A7 – D7 – G7), the forward cycle-of-fifths motion becomes irresistible.
Playing in Do major
With no sharps or flats, C major is the theoretical home base on guitar. The open G, B, and high E strings all belong to the C major chord, creating natural sustain. C is a beginner-level key on guitar because the open B and high E strings ring within the scale, and every basic chord uses familiar open shapes. Beginners will find this key approachable since most chords use open voicings with minimal stretching.
Voice Leading
The bass line moves through C to A (descending minor third), A to D (ascending perfect fourth), D to G (ascending perfect fourth). The root motion by larger intervals (fourths and fifths) gives each chord change a strong, decisive character. When the progression loops, the bass returns from G to C by perfect fourth.
Capo Transposition
To play in C using familiar open chords: capo 3 with open A shapes; capo 5 with open G shapes. Choose the capo position that gives you the voicings you prefer — lower capo positions produce a fuller sound, while higher positions create a brighter, mandolin-like timbre.
Scales for Soloing
C major pentatonic works because every note is either a chord tone or a safe passing tone — there are no avoid notes. For soloing, this means you can play freely without clashing. Over dominant seventh chords, C Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.
Strumming Pattern
Use Freddie Green-style comping: short, muted chord stabs on beats 2 and 4 at 120-160 BPM. Keep the chords tight and percussive, lifting your fretting hand slightly after each attack to control sustain.