Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Gm7421.1%
C7315.8%
Am7315.8%
Fmaj7210.5%
D7b9210.5%
C7b915.3%
Bm715.3%
E7b915.3%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)3
Am7 -> D7b9Setup (Major Key)2
D7b9 -> Gm7Resolution (Minor)1
Gm7 -> C7b9Setup (Major Key)1
C7b9 -> Fmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Bm7 -> E7b9Setup (Major Key)1
E7b9 -> Am7Resolution (Minor)1
Am7 -> D7Setup (Major Key)1
D7 -> Gm7Resolution (Minor)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The progression functions as a contrafact of “All God’s Chillun Got Rhythm,” utilizing a high-velocity structure in F Major despite the prompt’s C major label.
  • Features rapid-fire secondary II-V cycles (Am7–D7b9 and Bm7–E7b9) that momentarily shift the tonal center through chromatic subdominant relationships.
  • Employs a standard bebop turnaround (Gm7–C7) to resolve back to the tonic Fmaj7, maintaining constant forward motion.
  • Frequent use of dominant 7th chords with flat-9 tensions (D7b9, E7b9) provides the signature dissonant “crunch” required for authentic bebop lines.

Improvisation Focus Continuous voice-leading through the 3rds and 7ths of rapid II-V-I chains.

Difficulty Rating 4/5; the fast harmonic rhythm and chromatic shifts between non-diatonic keys demand high-level technical facility and harmonic foresight.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume III
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