Chord Distribution Analysis
| Chord Symbol | Count | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| E7alt | 4 | 16.7% |
| Bbmaj7#11 | 3 | 12.5% |
| A7b9b13 | 2 | 8.3% |
| E7b9b13 | 2 | 8.3% |
| Am7 | 2 | 8.3% |
| Amaj7 | 2 | 8.3% |
| Dm9 | 1 | 4.2% |
| Fmaj7#11 | 1 | 4.2% |
Key Patterns Detected
| Pattern | Function | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| A7b9b13 -> Dm9 | Resolution (Minor) | 1 |
| E7b9b13 -> Am7 | Resolution (Minor) | 1 |
| E7b13/G# -> Am7 | Resolution (Minor) | 1 |
| B7#5#9 -> Em11 | Resolution (Minor) | 1 |
| E7alt -> Amaj7 | Resolution (Major) | 1 |
🎼 Sheet Music
Find Lead Sheet on Sheet Music Direct (PDF)Harmonic Highlights
- The composition utilizes frequent tritone substitutions and symmetrical movements, such as the opening Bbmaj7#11 (substituting for the V) resolving toward E7alt, creating a tension-rich entry into the E major tonal center.
- Wheeler employs dense minor ii-V sequences (Dm9 to E7b9b13 to Am7) that create a dark, minor-key gravity, momentarily obscuring the primary major key center.
- Parallelism and constant structure shifting are evident in the Cm11–Dm11–Em11 sequence, demonstrating Wheeler’s signature “floating” harmonic style that avoids traditional functional cadences.
- Specific chord inversions and slash chords, such as C/G to E7b13/G#, facilitate smooth, stepwise bass motion through highly chromatic and distant tonal shifts.
Improvisation Focus Melodic Minor modes (specifically Lydian Dominant and Altered scales) to navigate the rapid, non-diatonic dominant extensions.
Difficulty Rating 4/5. The frequent non-functional modulations and specific altered tensions require advanced harmonic awareness and precise melodic voice leading.