Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Dm749.5%
G749.5%
Dmaj724.8%
Bb0724.8%
Am724.8%
D7b924.8%
Gmaj724.8%
Gm624.8%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Dm7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)4
Am7 -> D7b9Setup (Major Key)2
D7b9 -> Gmaj7Resolution (Major)2
A7 -> Dm7Resolution (Minor)2
G7 -> Dm7Resolution (Minor)2
Gm7/Bb -> C7/BbSetup (Major Key)1
C7/Bb -> Fmaj7/AResolution (Major)1
Fm7/Ab -> Bb7/AbSetup (Major Key)1
Bb7/Ab -> Ebmaj7/GResolution (Major)1
A7b9 -> Dmaj7Resolution (Major)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The Bb°7 acts as a bIII°7 chromatic passing chord, providing a smooth transitional link between the Vmaj7 (Dmaj7) and the iim7 (Am7).
  • Jobim employs modal mixture with the Gm6 chord, momentarily shifting the G major tonality into a G tonic minor (Aeolian) coloration.
  • The bridge utilizes descending ii-V progressions to modulate through C major and F major, using slash chords like Gm7/Bb to create a stepwise, melodic bass line.

Improvisation Focus Voice Leading: Target the chromatic alterations (specifically the Eb/Bb in Bb°7 and Bb/Eb in Gm6) to bridge the gaps between diatonic centers.

Difficulty Rating 3/5: While the tempo is typically accessible, the non-functional chromaticism and frequent modulations in the bridge require an intermediate understanding of modal interchange.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume I
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