Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Abmaj7511.6%
Bbm749.3%
Am37.0%
Gm737.0%
Eb737.0%
Am724.7%
C724.7%
Bb724.7%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Bbm7 -> Eb7Setup (Major Key)3
Eb7 -> Bbm7Resolution (Minor)2
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)1
Em7b5 -> A7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
A7b9 -> Dm7Resolution (Minor)1
Db7#11 -> Abmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Eb7 -> Abmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Gm7b5 -> C7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
C7b9 -> Fm7Resolution (Minor)1
Bm7b5 -> E7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
E7 -> Am7Resolution (Minor)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The progression features a classic minor line cliché (Am–Am/maj7–Am7–Am6), creating chromatic internal movement (A–G#–G–F#) over a stable tonic.
  • Utilizes a deceptive tritone substitution (Db7#11) resolving to Abmaj7, functioning as a bII7 leading to the bIII major chord in the A minor context.
  • Employs secondary ii-V cycles (Gm7–C7 and Em7b5–A7b9) to navigate through subdominant and relative major tonal centers before returning to the home key.

Improvisation Focus A minor Melodic Minor and its modes (specifically Altered and Lydian Dominant) to address chromatic shifts.

Difficulty Rating 3/5: The combination of line clichés and frequent modulations to the relative major/subdominant requires intermediate knowledge of voice leading and modal interchange.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume III
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