Chord Distribution Analysis
| Chord Symbol | Count | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Gm7 | 13 | 22.4% |
| Fmaj7 | 8 | 13.8% |
| C7 | 8 | 13.8% |
| Am7 | 7 | 12.1% |
| Faug | 4 | 6.9% |
| F6 | 3 | 5.2% |
| D7 | 3 | 5.2% |
| Ab7 | 2 | 3.4% |
Key Patterns Detected
| Pattern | Function | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Gm7 -> C7 | Setup (Major Key) | 8 |
| C7 -> Fmaj7 | Resolution (Major) | 5 |
| Fmaj7 -> Bb7 | Setup (Major Key) | 2 |
| Am7 -> D7 | Setup (Major Key) | 2 |
| D7 -> Gm7 | Resolution (Minor) | 2 |
| Bb7 -> Fmaj7/A | Resolution (Major) | 1 |
| Bm7b5 -> E7 | Setup (Minor Key) | 1 |
| E7 -> Am7 | Resolution (Minor) | 1 |
| Am7b5 -> D7b9 | Setup (Minor Key) | 1 |
| D7b9 -> Gm7 | Resolution (Minor) | 1 |
🎼 Sheet Music
Find Lead Sheet on Sheet Music Direct (PDF)Harmonic Highlights
- The opening cycle (F - Faug - F6 - Faug) establishes a static tonic foundation with a chromatic moving inner voice (C - C# - D - C#), creating a restless, melancholic atmosphere.
- The sequence Am7 - Ab7 - Gm7 utilizes a tritone substitution (Ab7 for D7alt) to create a smooth chromatic descent from the iii chord to the ii chord.
- The use of Fmaj7 to Bb7 (IV7) or Bbm6 (iv) provides a “minor plagal” flavor, a classic Rodgers technique to deepen the harmonic tension before resolving to Fmaj7/A.
Improvisation Focus Chord-tone targeting with a focus on the #5 and 6 tensions to highlight the signature chromatic inner-voice movement of the A section.
Difficulty Rating 3/5: The ballad’s slow tempo demands high melodic control and sensitive phrasing to navigate the subtle, non-functional chromaticism without losing the harmonic thread.
📚 Standard Available in:
The Real Book - Volume III
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