Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Fm7715.6%
Bb7511.1%
Fm48.9%
Dbmaj736.7%
Fm/maj724.4%
Db724.4%
Gm7b524.4%
Ebm724.4%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Fm7 -> Bb7Setup (Major Key)5
Bb7 -> Fm7Resolution (Minor)3
Ebm7 -> Ab7Setup (Major Key)2
Ab7 -> Dbmaj7Resolution (Major)2
Bb7 -> FmResolution (Minor)1
Gm7b5 -> C7#9Setup (Minor Key)1
C7#9 -> FmResolution (Minor)1
Gm7b5 -> C7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
C7b9 -> FmResolution (Minor)1
Em7 -> A7Setup (Major Key)1
Bb7b13 -> Ebm7Resolution (Minor)1
G7b13 -> Cmaj7Resolution (Major)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The progression features a prominent minor line cliché (Fm – Fm/maj7 – Fm7), creating chromatic inner-voice movement from the root down to the minor seventh.
  • Frequent i-IV7 (Fm7 to Bb7) cycles establish a strong Dorian modal foundation, shifting away from purely functional Aeolian harmony.
  • The use of Gm7b5 to C7#9 forms a classic minor ii-V-i turnaround, requiring altered dominant resolutions to return to the tonic.
  • The bVI7 chord (Db7) acts as a predominant substitute, providing a bluesy transition toward the ii-V or tonic.

Improvisation Focus F Melodic Minor scale, essential for navigating the line cliché and providing the necessary tensions for the altered dominant chords.

Difficulty Rating 3/5: The moderate tempo allows for melodic development, but the chromatic inner-voice movements and minor-key turnarounds require precise scalar knowledge beyond simple pentatonics.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume II
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