Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Cmaj7812.7%
Dm7812.7%
Am7812.7%
G7711.1%
Fmaj757.9%
E746.3%
Em734.8%
A734.8%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Dm7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)7
G7 -> Cmaj7Resolution (Major)5
E7 -> Am7Resolution (Minor)4
A7 -> Dm7Resolution (Minor)3
C7 -> Fmaj7Resolution (Major)3
Am7 -> E7Setup (Major Key)2
Fmaj7 -> Bb7Setup (Major Key)2
F#m7b5 -> B7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
B7b9 -> Em7Resolution (Minor)1
Am7 -> D7Setup (Major Key)1
Bm7b5 -> E7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
E7b9 -> Am7Resolution (Minor)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The sequence Em7 - Eb°7 - Dm7 utilizes a chromatic passing diminished chord to connect the iii and ii chords smoothly.
  • Frequent secondary dominants (E7 and A7) create strong functional pull toward the vi (Am7) and ii (Dm7) degrees.
  • The transition from Fmaj7 to Bb7 to Cmaj7 functions as a “back-door” dominant resolution (IV to bVII7 to I).
  • The progression maintains a clear tonal center of C Major, using diatonic extensions to color a standard 32-bar song form.

Improvisation Focus

Guide-tone mapping to highlight the shifting 3rds and 7ths across the secondary 2-5-1 sequences.

Difficulty Rating

2/5. The tune is accessible for intermediates because it remains primarily in one key while providing a clear introduction to chromatic passing chords and secondary dominants.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume I
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