When You Wish Upon A Star (C major) - Chords Analysis

Chord Distribution Analysis

Key Patterns Detected

• The A7b13 chord functions as a V7/ii (V of Dm7) with an altered extension, adding a characteristic jazz tension and color to the secondary dominant.
• A F7 (bVII7 or “backdoor” dominant) resolves deceptively to Em7, followed by a chromatic passing diminished Eb07 leading into the Dm7 G7 ii-V progression.
• The striking C07 (C fully diminished seventh) creates a brief, intense chromatic tension right before the Cmaj7 tonic, requiring specific voice leading and scale considerations.

Improvisation Focus: Altered Scale (Super Locrian) for navigating the various dominant seven chords with altered extensions.

Difficulty Rating: 3 (Intermediate). While the core is a standard II-V-I, the specific altered dominant A7b13, the deceptive F7 movement, and the unique C07 demand a more sophisticated harmonic understanding.