Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Dm730.4%
Dm7417.4%
G7417.4%
Dm/maj728.7%
Bbmaj728.7%
Am728.7%
Em7b514.3%
A7b914.3%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Dm7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)4
G7 -> DmResolution (Minor)2
G7 -> Dm7Resolution (Minor)1
Em7b5 -> A7b9Setup (Minor Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The progression features a classic minor line cliché (D-C#-C-B), creating chromatic internal voice leading through Dm, Dm/maj7, and Dm7.
  • The G7 acts as a IV7 chord, establishing a D Dorian modal flavor by utilizing the natural 6th (B) rather than the Aeolian b6.
  • The cadence of Bbmaj7 to Am7 to Dm employs a bVI - v7 - i movement, characteristic of the natural minor scale and common in mid-century jazz-pop standards.

Improvisation Focus D Dorian scale, transitioning to D Melodic Minor over the Dm/maj7 to navigate the C# leading tone.

Difficulty Rating 2/5; the harmonic rhythm is steady and the static D minor center allows for accessible modal exploration with minimal complex substitutions.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume III
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