Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Fmaj7617.1%
Gm7617.1%
C7411.4%
Bbmaj738.6%
Dm738.6%
G738.6%
F725.7%
Am725.7%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)4
F7 -> Bbmaj7Resolution (Major)2
Dm7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)2
A7 -> DmResolution (Minor)1
Dm6 -> G7Setup (Major Key)1
C7 -> Fmaj7Resolution (Major)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Features a chromatic minor line cliché (Dm – Dm/maj7 – Dm7 – Dm6), providing descending inner-voice motion against a static D minor tonic.
  • Employs secondary dominants, specifically E7 (V/V) leading to A7 (V), to strengthen the functional pull toward the D minor key center.
  • Oscillates between D minor and its relative major (F major), utilizing ii-V-I sequences in F (Gm7–C7–Fmaj7) to provide tonal variety.
  • Uses a subdominant IV chord (Bbmaj7) to create a plagal-style release before returning to the F major or D minor tonic.

Improvisation Focus D Melodic Minor, which effectively navigates the shifting major and minor sevenths found within the tonic minor line cliché.

Difficulty Rating 2/5: The progression relies on standard diatonic movements and common jazz tropes, making it highly accessible for intermediate improvisers.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume III
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