Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Gm7511.6%
Dm49.3%
Em7b537.0%
A737.0%
Ab737.0%
Dm/maj724.7%
Dm724.7%
Dm624.7%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Em7b5 -> A7Setup (Minor Key)3
A7 -> DmResolution (Minor)2
D7 -> Gm7Resolution (Minor)2
Gm7 -> C7b9Setup (Major Key)2
Ebm7 -> Ab7Setup (Major Key)2
Ab7 -> Dbmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Tonic Line Cliché: The A section features a descending chromatic inner voice (D-C#-C-B) through Dm to Dm6, creating movement over a static minor tonic.
  • Minor Functional Cadence: The use of Em7b5 and A7 forms a standard minor ii-V progression that strongly reinforces the D minor tonality.
  • Remote Modulation: The B section modulates abruptly to Db Major, utilizing a ii-V-I (Ebm7-Ab7-Dbmaj7) in a key distantly related to the D minor home center.

Improvisation Focus D Melodic Minor (for the A section) and Db Major (for the Bridge).

Difficulty Rating 3/5; the A section relies on standard minor tropes, but the bridge’s sudden shift to a remote flat key demands advanced navigational skills.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume I
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