Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
A726.9%
F#7sus26.9%
Dm726.9%
G7#1126.9%
Am726.9%
Bm726.9%
Em713.4%
Ebm713.4%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Dm7 -> G7#11Setup (Major Key)1
G7#11 -> Cmaj7Resolution (Major)1
E7#9 -> Amaj7Resolution (Major)1
F#m7b5 -> B7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
B7b9 -> Em7b5Resolution (Minor)1
Em7b5 -> A7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
A7b9 -> Dm7Resolution (Minor)1
Bm7 -> E7Setup (Major Key)1
Bbm7 -> Eb7Setup (Major Key)1
Bm7 -> E7b9Setup (Major Key)1

Harmonic Highlights:

  • Features extensive chromatic mediant relationships and parallel minor shifts (e.g., Em7-Ebm7-Dm7, Am7-Abm7).
  • Employs backdoor dominants (G7#11 to Cmaj7) and altered dominants (E7#9, B7b9) for rich harmonic color.
  • Integrates non-diatonic major chords (Amaj7, Fmaj7) and suspended dominants (F#7sus) to create unexpected tonal shifts.
  • The closing Em7b5 suggests an open, ambiguous resolution, characteristic of Shorter’s modern approach.

Improvisation Focus: Melodic minor derived scales (e.g., Altered, Lydian Dominant) for navigating the complex dominant and minor sonorities.

Difficulty Rating: 5 (Advanced). The rapid, non-functional modulations and frequent use of altered and extended chords require a sophisticated harmonic approach.