Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
E615.4%
G#m937.7%
C#m725.1%
Emaj925.1%
Bbmaj7#11/F25.1%
F#m725.1%
Emaj7#1125.1%
Dmaj7/F#12.6%

No obvious ii-V patterns detected.


Harmonic Highlights

  • Linear bass movement is prioritized through slash chords like Dmaj7/F# and F#/A#, creating a folk-influenced, contrapuntal foundation rather than standard cycle-of-fifths progressions.
  • The composition utilizes abrupt tritone shifts, specifically moving from E major to Bbmaj7#11, which creates a “shimmering” Lydian quality common in Metheny’s harmonic palette.
  • Modal interchange is prevalent, with the Dmaj7/F# (bVII) and Cmaj7 (bVI) acting as non-diatonic color chords that soften the E major tonality.
  • Constant structure relationships (maj7#11 chords) provide a cohesive texture despite the distant tonal centers.

Improvisation Focus Navigating modal shifts between E Lydian and Bb Lydian.

Difficulty Rating 3/5: While the ballad tempo is forgiving, the frequent, non-functional modulations and tritone-related chord jumps require high-level modal awareness.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume III
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