Troubled Waters (D minor) - Jazz Analysis & Chords

Harmonic Highlights

• Employs an extended circle-of-fifths sequence (D7-G7-C7-F6) that facilitates a smooth chromatic transition from the D minor tonic toward the relative major.
• Utilizes a parallel major modulation during the bridge (D6-Bm7-E7-A7), providing a bright tonal contrast to the darker, blues-influenced minor-key sections.
• Incorporates frequent secondary dominants, specifically the E7 functioning as a V/V, to intensify the turnaround tension before resolving to the A7 dominant.

Improvisation Focus D Melodic Minor to effectively outline the tonic minor-sixth stability and navigate the chromatic alterations within the secondary dominant cycles.

Difficulty Rating 3 (Intermediate) because the soloist must manage rapid back-cycling dominants and the shift between parallel major and minor tonalities.