Chord Distribution Analysis
| Chord Symbol | Count | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| C7b9 | 6 | 15.4% |
| Ebmaj7 | 5 | 12.8% |
| Fm7 | 5 | 12.8% |
| Bb7 | 4 | 10.3% |
| Ab7 | 4 | 10.3% |
| F7 | 3 | 7.7% |
| Bb7#9 | 2 | 5.1% |
| Gb7 | 2 | 5.1% |
Key Patterns Detected
| Pattern | Function | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| C7b9 -> Fm7 | Resolution (Minor) | 5 |
| Fm7 -> Bb7 | Setup (Major Key) | 3 |
| Fm7 -> Bb7#9 | Setup (Major Key) | 2 |
| Bb7#9 -> Ebmaj7 | Resolution (Major) | 2 |
| Eb7 -> Bbm7 | Resolution (Minor) | 1 |
| Bbm7 -> Eb7 | Setup (Major Key) | 1 |
| Bb7 -> Ebmaj7 | Resolution (Major) | 1 |
🎼 Sheet Music
Find Lead Sheet on Sheet Music Direct (PDF)Harmonic Highlights
- Frequent I-VI-ii-V turnarounds (Ebmaj7-C7b9-Fm7-Bb7) establish a cyclical foundation, using the C7b9 as a secondary dominant to provide a strong pull toward the supertonic.
- The chromatic descent (Ab7-Gb7-F7-Bb7) utilizes a “side-slipping” motion to create tension before resolving to the dominant.
- Prominent use of the “backdoor dominant” (Db7 to Ebmaj7) provides a soulful, non-diatonic resolution characteristic of mid-century R&B ballads.
- Tonicization of the subdominant (Ab7) via a secondary ii-V (Bbm7-Eb7) briefly shifts the tonal center, adding harmonic depth to the progression.
Improvisation Focus
The Eb Major Blues scale, blending the soulful minor third and flat fifth with the major pentatonic to navigate the ballad’s bluesy inflections.
Difficulty Rating
2/5: The predictable harmonic rhythm and reliance on standard jazz-blues turnarounds make it accessible, though players must navigate the chromatic “side-slipping” dominant chords.