Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Bb71019.2%
Fm7815.4%
Eb647.7%
Gm747.7%
C747.7%
E0723.8%
Gb0723.8%
Bbm723.8%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Fm7 -> Bb7Setup (Major Key)8
Bbm7 -> Eb7Setup (Major Key)2
Eb7 -> Abmaj7Resolution (Major)2
Abmaj7 -> Db7Setup (Major Key)2
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)2
C7 -> Fm7Resolution (Minor)2
Bb7 -> Ebmaj7Resolution (Major)1
G7b9 -> Cm7Resolution (Minor)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Chromatic diminished passing chords: The progression utilizes #I°7 (E°7) and bIII°7 (Gb°7) to create smooth, stepwise voice-leading between the tonic (I), supertonic (ii), and mediant (iii) chords.
  • Backdoor resolution: The move from Abmaj7 (IV) to Db7 (bVII7) establishes a classic “backdoor” cadence, often resolving back to Eb major or Gm7 via chromaticism.
  • Circle of fifths bridge: The B-section employs an extended chain of secondary dominants (D7-G7-C7-F7) that cycles through the fifths to return to the tonic key.

Improvisation Focus The Eb Major Bebop scale, emphasizing the chromatic passing tones between the 5th and 6th degrees to align with the active harmonic rhythm.

Difficulty Rating 3/5: The moderate difficulty arises from the fast harmonic rhythm and the need to navigate frequent diminished passing chords within a standard AABA structure.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume I
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