
Robinson G. answered 05/27/19
Experienced and Patient English, Music, and Math Educator
Have you tried using half-diminished chords serving as the 'ii'?
That is a pretty tense chord.
In Jazz and Gospel music, a minor [ ii - V - i ] uses a m7b5 as the 'ii', and it creates a lot of momentum.
You can try some [ III - VI - ii - V - i ] 's?
Are you working strictly with classical sonority, or is this an option?