Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Fmaj7516.7%
Gm7516.7%
G7#11413.3%
Gb7#1126.7%
F#maj726.7%
B726.7%
F#m726.7%
D726.7%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
F#maj7 -> B7Setup (Major Key)1
B7 -> F#m7Resolution (Minor)1
D7 -> Gm7Resolution (Minor)1
Am7 -> D7b5b9Setup (Major Key)1
D7b5b9 -> Gm7Resolution (Minor)1
Gm7 -> C7b5b9Setup (Major Key)1
C7b5b9 -> Fmaj7Resolution (Major)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Frequent use of dominant 7th chords with #11 extensions (G7#11, Gb7#11), characteristic of bossa nova’s sophisticated harmonic palette.
  • Prominent chromatic root movement, such as Gm7 - Gb7#11 - F#maj7, creating a smooth descending voice leading effect.
  • Rapid and distant modulations (e.g., F#maj7 and B7) that introduce unexpected tonal centers far from the D minor key.
  • Application of an altered dominant (D7b5b9) for heightened tension before resolving, leading to the iv chord (Gm7).

Improvisation Focus Lydian Dominant scale, frequently employed over the #11 dominant chords, is essential.

Difficulty Rating 4 (Advanced Intermediate) - The rapid, distant modulations and prevalent altered dominants demand a sophisticated understanding of complex harmonic substitutions and modal playing.