Song For My Father (Ab major) - Jazz Analysis & Chords

Harmonic Highlights:

• The progression functions primarily in F minor (the relative minor of Ab major), utilizing a diatonic descending i–bVII–bVI–V7 root movement.
• The transition from Db7 (bVI) to C7alt (V) creates a strong phrygian-dominant pull back to the tonic Fm7, characteristic of the Hard Bop “silver” sound.
• Static two-bar harmonic rhythm emphasizes modal stability, allowing for extended development over the minor tonic and subdominant areas.
• The use of C7sus4 before the dominant C7 softens the resolution, providing a modern, gospel-influenced tension before the turnaround.

Improvisation Focus: F Minor Pentatonic and Blues scales to capture the essential soul-jazz aesthetic.

Difficulty Rating: 2/5. The slow harmonic rhythm and repetitive structure make it highly accessible for beginners, though the minor-key turnaround requires specific attention to dominant alterations.