Deep Purple (F major) - Jazz Analysis & Chords

Harmonic Highlights

• Chromatic Passing Motion: Utilizes F#°7 as a #I°7 passing chord between I (Fmaj7) and ii (Gm7), facilitating smooth stepwise bass movement.
• Secondary Dominants: Features frequent ii-V/ii transitions (Am7b5–D7 to Gm7) to reinforce the supertonic as a temporary tonal center.
• Subdominant Minor: The Bbm6 (iv6) chord provides a “dark” modal interchange, creating a classic minor-plagal resolution to the Fmaj7 tonic.
• Chromatic Descent: The sequence Am7 – Ab°7 – Gm7 employs a diminished chord as a chromatic passing bridge to the ii chord, typical of the Great American Songbook style.

Improvisation Focus

Targeting Chord Tones and Guide Tones (3rds and 7ths) to clearly outline the shift from diatonic major to the subdominant minor and diminished substitutions.

Difficulty Rating

3/5: While the tempo is usually a ballad, the frequent diminished chords and secondary dominants require precise harmonic navigation and voice leading.