Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
G71123.9%
Dm7817.4%
Em748.7%
C636.5%
Cmaj736.5%
D736.5%
Eb0724.3%
B724.3%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Dm7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)7
G7 -> Cmaj7Resolution (Major)3
B7 -> Em7Resolution (Minor)2
G7 -> DmResolution (Minor)1
Cmaj7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)1
Cmaj7/E -> G7Setup (Major Key)1
Em7 -> B7Setup (Major Key)1
Em7 -> A7Setup (Major Key)1
Am7 -> D7Setup (Major Key)1
G7 -> Dm7Resolution (Minor)1
Bm7 -> E7Setup (Major Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The progression utilizes a “line cliché” (Dm – Dm/maj7 – Dm7), creating chromatic descending inner-voice movement within the subdominant minor function.
  • Frequent II-V-I cadences in C Major establish strong functional stability, typical of Great American Songbook ballads.
  • Chromatic passing diminished chords, such as Eb°7 and D#°7, provide smooth voice-leading transitions between diatonic scale degrees.
  • Secondary dominants like B7 resolving to Em7 (V/vi) introduce brief tonicization of the relative minor, adding harmonic color.

Improvisation Focus C Major diatonicism with a focus on chord tone targeting over the II-V-I resolutions.

Difficulty Rating 2/5: The harmonic structure is highly functional and predictable, providing a clear map for melodic improvisation without complex modulations.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume III
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