Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
G6515.6%
Am7515.6%
C7412.5%
D7412.5%
Cmaj726.2%
Dm726.2%
G726.2%
A726.2%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Am7 -> D7Setup (Major Key)4
Dm7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)2
C7 -> Gmaj7Resolution (Major)2
Gmaj7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)1
F#m7b5 -> B7Setup (Minor Key)1
B7 -> Em7Resolution (Minor)1
E7#9 -> Am7Resolution (Minor)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The use of a ii-V of IV (Dm7 - G7) to reach C7/Cmaj7 infuses the diatonic G major structure with a sophisticated blues-inflected subdominant pull.
  • Secondary dominant movement via A7 (V/V) creates chromatic interest while reinforcing the arrival of the supertonic Am7.
  • The bridge sequence employs a minor ii-V-i (F#m7b5 - B7 - Em7), providing a brief but effective shift to the relative minor for tonal variety.
  • Frequent turnaround patterns (Am7 - D7) maintain a cyclical momentum, characteristic of the swing-era “Kansas City” style.

Improvisation Focus G Major Blues Scale to capture the essential “sweet and sour” blend of major tonality and Ellingtonian blues phrasing.

Difficulty Rating 2/5: The progression uses standard functional cadences and clear secondary dominants, making it highly accessible for intermediate improvisers.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume II
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