Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Cmaj738.6%
C638.6%
G738.6%
Em725.7%
Ab25.7%
Abaug25.7%
Bbm725.7%
Ab625.7%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Dm7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)1
G7 -> Cmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)1
C7 -> Fmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Fmaj7 -> Bb7Setup (Major Key)1
Bbm7 -> Eb7Setup (Major Key)1
Bbm7 -> Eb7susSetup (Major Key)1
Am7 -> D7Setup (Major Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Employs a chromatic descending passing chord (Em7 - Eb°7 - Dm7) to create smooth voice-leading from the mediant (iii) to the supertonic (ii).
  • Features a “backdoor” dominant (Bb7) resolution to Cmaj7, a sophisticated alternative to the standard G7 V-I cadence.
  • The bridge shifts abruptly to Db major (bII) using an Ab (bVI) pivot, requiring navigation of key centers a half-step apart from the tonic C.
  • Utilizes secondary dominants (Gm7 - C7) to temporarily tonicize the IV chord (Fmaj7), adding harmonic depth to the A section.

Improvisation Focus Chord tone targeting, specifically focusing on 3rds and 7ths to smoothly navigate the transitions between the home key and the distant bridge tonality.

Difficulty Rating 3/5: While the A sections follow standard diatonic patterns, the sudden modulation to Db major in the bridge requires intermediate-level harmonic awareness.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume III
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