Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
G7b9812.7%
Dm7b5711.1%
Fm7711.1%
Cm757.9%
Abmaj757.9%
Cm634.8%
Cm/maj7/B34.8%
Cm7/Bb34.8%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
G7b9 -> Cm7Resolution (Minor)5
Dm7b5 -> G7b9Setup (Minor Key)4
Cm/maj7/B -> G7b9Setup (Major Key)3
Cm7/Bb -> F7Setup (Major Key)3
F7 -> Cm6/AResolution (Minor)3
G7b9 -> Cm6Resolution (Minor)2
Bb7 -> Ebmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Bbm7 -> Eb7Setup (Major Key)1
Eb7 -> Abmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Fm7 -> Bb7Setup (Major Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The iconic “line cliché” features a descending chromatic inner voice (C–B–Bb–A) over a static C minor root, creating evolving harmonic tension through the maj7, m7, and m6 extensions.
  • Frequent minor ii-V-i sequences (Dm7b5–G7b9–Cm) reinforce the dark, melancholic C minor tonality and demand mastery of altered dominant resolutions.
  • The progression incorporates a Dorian-flavored IV7 (F7) or ii-V leading to the relative major (Eb major), providing essential contrast to the tonic minor sections.

Improvisation Focus C Melodic Minor to navigate the shifting natural 7th and natural 6th intervals within the opening minor sequence.

Difficulty Rating 3/5: The slow tempo provides space for expression, but the chromatic inner-voice movement and minor-key functional harmony require precise guide-tone navigation.


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The Real Book - Volume I
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