Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
F6624.0%
C7416.0%
Bb7312.0%
Am7312.0%
D7312.0%
Gm728.0%
G728.0%
B0714.0%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Am7 -> D7Setup (Major Key)3
D7 -> Gm7Resolution (Minor)2
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)2

Harmonic Highlights

  • The progression utilizes a I6 - IV7 - I6 opening, substituting the standard “Rhythm Changes” ii-V with a blues-inflected subdominant dominant.
  • A secondary dominant cycle (Am7 - D7 - Gm7 - C7) creates a functional iii-VI-ii-V turnaround that drives the harmony back to the tonic.
  • The B°7 serves as a chromatic passing diminished chord between the IV7 (Bb7) and the tonic, facilitating smooth ascending voice leading.
  • The inclusion of Db7 functions as a tritone substitution or chromatic neighbor tone to the V7 (C7), adding Monk’s signature angular dissonance.

Improvisation Focus The F Major Bebop Scale and chromatic approach notes.

Difficulty Rating 3/5: While based on a familiar AABA structure, the specific chromatic substitutions and rhythmic displacement inherent in Monk’s style require intermediate harmonic precision.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume II
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