Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Dbmaj7822.2%
Ebm7719.4%
Fm9411.1%
Eb938.3%
Ab9sus38.3%
Ebmaj725.6%
Ab925.6%
Bb7b5b912.8%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Fm7b5 -> Bb7b9susSetup (Minor Key)1
Bb7b9#5 -> Ebm7Resolution (Minor)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The progression centers on a recurring ii-I movement (Ebm7 to Dbmaj7) in Db Major, creating a relaxed, plagal-driven Bossa Nova feel despite the nominal Bb minor key.
  • Inclusion of Eb9 alongside Ebm7 introduces a Mixolydian/Dorian ambiguity, adding a subtle blues-inflected tension to the subdominant function.
  • The Bb7b5b9 acts as an altered secondary dominant (V/ii), providing a dark, chromatic pivot point to reset the phrase back to the Eb minor tonality.
  • A shift from Fm9 to Ebmaj7 demonstrates a non-functional, downward step-wise modulation that breaks the established cycle, requiring a transition to Eb Ionian.

Improvisation Focus Db Major/Bb Natural Minor scales, with a specific focus on the Eb Dorian mode to capture the melancholic “saudade” character of the changes.

Difficulty Rating 3/5: While the tempo is generally slow, navigating the subtle shifts between dominant and minor qualities on the Eb chords requires precise modal targeting.