Blue Monk (Bb major) - Jazz Analysis & Chords

Chord Distribution Analysis

No obvious ii-V patterns detected.

Harmonic Highlights

• Standard twelve-bar blues structure in B-flat major, utilizing dominant seventh chords as the primary harmonic foundation.
• The melody features a signature rising chromatic motive that emphasizes the sharp-four blue note, creating tension against the tonic chord.
• The progression utilizes a simplified turnaround with a static dominant chord in measures nine and ten rather than a traditional two-five-one sequence.
• Harmonic simplicity in the changes allows for the implementation of minor-second clusters and rhythmic displacement, which are central to the composition’s character.

Improvisation Focus B-flat Blues Scale and motivic development using rhythmic displacement.

Difficulty Rating 2/5 - The twelve-bar structure is accessible for beginners, though mastering Monk’s specific rhythmic language and dissonant clusters requires intermediate stylistic awareness.