Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
D7512.2%
Am749.8%
Dm749.8%
Gmaj737.3%
A737.3%
B737.3%
E737.3%
C724.9%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Am7 -> D7Setup (Major Key)3
Gmaj7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)2
Bm7 -> E7b13Setup (Major Key)1
Am7 -> D7#9Setup (Major Key)1
Dm7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)1
Am7b5 -> D7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
D7b9 -> Gmaj7Resolution (Major)1
A7b9 -> Dm7Resolution (Minor)1
B7 -> Em7b5Resolution (Minor)1
Em7b5 -> A7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
D7 -> Gmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Bm7 -> E7Setup (Major Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Extensive use of secondary dominants and chromatic “side-slipping” (A7 to Bb7) complicates the standard G major diatonic framework.
  • Frequent minor ii-V (Am7b5 to D7b9) sequences resolving to G major create the tune’s signature dark-to-light harmonic shifts.
  • The I to IV7 (Gmaj7 to C7) progression provides a blues-inflected subdominant function, diverging from standard diatonic expectations.
  • Strategic inclusion of the #iv diminished chord (G#°7) functions as a chromatic passing chord leading efficiently to the ii (Am7).

Improvisation Focus Guide-tone mapping using Altered and Mixolydian b13 scales to navigate the dense, rapid secondary dominant extensions.

Difficulty Rating 4/5: The sophisticated harmonic rhythm and high density of non-diatonic extensions require advanced knowledge of functional substitution and minor-key modes.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume II
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