Wayne's Thang (E minor) - Jazz Analysis & Chords

Harmonic Highlights

• The progression utilizes a foundational i - bVI - V7 movement, typical of a minor key turnaround with a modal flavor.
• C6 acts as a stable submediant, replacing the traditional ii (F#m7b5) to provide a smoother, less dissonant transition to the dominant.
• B7b9b13 functions as an altered dominant, introducing maximum tension via the Altered scale or Phrygian Dominant before resolving to the tonic.
• The structure emphasizes a static E minor modal center, common in post-bop compositions to allow for rhythmic and melodic development.

Improvisation Focus E Minor Pentatonic and E Blues scales, shifting to the B Altered scale to highlight the tension over the V7 chord.

Difficulty Rating 2/5; the repetitive harmonic loop and slow harmonic rhythm provide an accessible entry point for practicing tension and resolution within a minor context.