Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Gm7917.6%
Fmaj7815.7%
C7815.7%
Fm747.8%
D7b935.9%
Bb723.9%
Cm723.9%
F723.9%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)8
C7 -> Fmaj7Resolution (Major)4
Fm7 -> Bb7Setup (Major Key)2
D7b9 -> Gm7Resolution (Minor)2
Cm7 -> F7Setup (Major Key)1
F7 -> Bbmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Bbm7 -> Eb7Setup (Major Key)1
Em7b5 -> A7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
A7b9 -> Dm7Resolution (Minor)1
Dm7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The shift from Fmaj7 to Fm7-Bb7 utilizes a backdoor ii-V progression (ivm7-bVII7), introducing modal interchange from the parallel minor.
  • A chromatic passing diminished chord (Abº7) bridges the iii (Am7) and ii (Gm7), creating a smooth stepwise bass descent common in standard ballads.
  • The inclusion of D7b9 serves as a secondary dominant (V/ii), adding harmonic tension that resolves strongly into the Gm7-C7-Fmaj7 turnaround.

Improvisation Focus Navigating the transition between F Major and F Dorian (over the Fm7-Bb7) is essential for outlining the song’s signature melodic shifts.

Difficulty Rating 2/5: The slow ballad tempo provides ample time to navigate the standard ii-V-I patterns and predictable chromatic passing tones.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume III
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