Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Eb/Bb610.7%
Ab/Bb58.9%
D47.1%
Db/B35.4%
Ebm735.4%
G23.6%
D/F#23.6%
Em23.6%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Em -> A7Setup (Major Key)1
Am7 -> D7Setup (Major Key)1
Em -> A7susSetup (Major Key)1
C#m7 -> F#7Setup (Major Key)1
Fm7b5 -> Bb7#5Setup (Minor Key)1
Bb7#5 -> Ebmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Am7b5 -> D7Setup (Minor Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The progression utilizes a diatonic G major opening (G–D/F#–Em) that acts as a deceptive setup before shifting into sophisticated chromaticism.
  • The transition from Db/B to Bb13b9 to Ebm7 represents a sharp pivot from G major toward the Ab major key center, utilizing tritone-adjacent root movements.
  • Frequent secondary dominants (A7) and suspended voicings (A7sus) soften cadential resolutions, creating Metheny’s signature “floating” lyrical texture.
  • The movement toward the final key center necessitates navigating non-functional slash chords that bridge distantly related tonal regions.

Improvisation Focus

  • Modal interchange, specifically targeting Lydian and Melodic Minor scales to navigate the bridge between G major and the Ebm/Ab tonal centers.

Difficulty Rating

  • 4/5. Navigating the abrupt transitions between bright G major and dark, flat-side chromaticism requires advanced modal fluency and precise voice leading.