Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Am6833.3%
Dm6416.7%
Bm7b528.3%
E7b928.3%
G728.3%
Cmaj728.3%
B728.3%
E728.3%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Bm7b5 -> E7b9Setup (Minor Key)2
E7b9 -> Am6Resolution (Minor)2
G7 -> Cmaj7Resolution (Major)1
E7 -> Am6Resolution (Minor)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The progression utilizes a minor blues framework, establishing a modal atmosphere through the movement from Am6 to the subdominant Dm6.
  • A brief modulation to the relative major (C Major) occurs via a G7 to Cmaj7 sequence, providing a momentary lift from the darker minor tonality.
  • The sequence of B7 (V/V) moving to E7 (V) creates a secondary dominant chain that provides strong tension and chromatic leading tones back to the tonic.
  • The consistent use of “6” extensions on minor chords emphasizes the Dorian or Melodic Minor scale, specifically highlighting the natural 6th (F#) as a primary color tone.

Improvisation Focus A Melodic Minor is the essential scale for navigating the Am6 tonic and the Bm7b5 โ€“ E7b9 turnaround effectively.

Difficulty Rating 3/5; the tune requires intermediate knowledge of minor-key harmony and the ability to navigate shifting tonal centers between A minor and C major.


๐Ÿ“š Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume II
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