Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Dbmaj7526.3%
Ebm7210.5%
Ab7210.5%
Em715.3%
A715.3%
Abm715.3%
Db715.3%
Gm715.3%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Ebm7 -> Ab7Setup (Major Key)2
Em7 -> A7Setup (Major Key)1
Ab7 -> Dbmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Abm7 -> Db7Setup (Major Key)1
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)1
Dbmaj7 -> Gb7Setup (Major Key)1
Fm7 -> Bb7Setup (Major Key)1
Bb7 -> Ebm7Resolution (Minor)1
Ab7 -> Dbmaj7#11Resolution (Major)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The progression features a “side-slipping” ii-V (Em7-A7) that resolves down a half-step to the diatonic ii-V (Ebm7-Ab7), creating chromatic tension.
  • Sequential dominant cycling (Abm7-Db7 to Gm7-C7) utilizes the circle of fifths to navigate through temporary tonal centers before returning to the tonic.
  • The use of Gb7 (IV7) serves as a blues-inflected subdominant transition into a standard iii-vi-ii-V turnaround (Fm7-Bb7-Ebm7-Ab7).
  • The final resolution to Dbmaj7#11 defines the Lydian harmonic color characteristic of Silver’s sophisticated hard-bop style.

Improvisation Focus Navigating rapid ii-V-I cells and utilizing chord tone targeting to bridge non-diatonic shifts.

Difficulty Rating 3/5: The moderate tempo allows for melodic development, but the frequent chromatic ii-V sequences require advanced ear training and harmonic agility.