Bluesette

by Toots Thielemans

Common Keys: Bb, G
First Melodic Interval: P5 ↑ M2
Form:

Chords

| GΔ7 | GΔ7 | F#m7b5 | B7 |

| Em7 | A7 | Dm7 | G7 | CΔ7 | CΔ7 |

| Cm7 | F7 | BbΔ7 | BbΔ7 |

| Bbm7 | Eb7 | AbΔ7 | AbΔ7 |

| Am7b5 | D7 | Bm7 | Bb7 | Am7 | Ab7 |

Triggers

I ↓ m2

Confirmation Sequence

prime II V I

prime II V I

↑ m2 ur( II V)

kc III bII7 II bII7

Reference


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Confirmation Sequence

Based on the famous Charlie Parker song of the same name. Starting on the Tonic I chord and working its way to the IV chords via a series of II V mocements. This is sometimes called backcycling. There are several ways to remember this sequence.

  1. Harmonic Anlysis without modulations

    I VIIm7b5 III7 VIm7 II7 Vm7 I7 IV7 or IVmaj7

  2. As Dominant Seventh chord cycle with each 7th chord preceeded by its II chord.

    I VIIm7b5 III7 VIm7 II7 Vm7 I7 IV7 or IVmaj7

  3. II V I temporary modulations down a whole step to the IV chord using double functions chords with each I doubling its functions as a II of the next modulation.

    I ↓m2 II V Im/II... to IV

Songs that use the same sequence:

Triggers Notation Key

The short hand notation that I use is explained here.

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Roman Numerals

Uppercase Roman Numerals indicate a chord function within its harmonized scale.

Intervalic Distances

  • Symbol = Interval Type
  • prime or ' = Prime (same root) chord species changes
  • M or Δ = Major
  • m or - = Minor
  • P = Perfect, used for perfect fourths or fifths
  • dim or º = Diminished
  • aug or + = Augmented
  • tri = Tritone (+4 or b5)

Direction

  • or > = UP (↑) by interval indicated. ie ↑m2, ↑P4
  • or < = DOWN (↓) by interval indicated. ie ↓m2, ↓P4

Harmonic Notation

  • kc = Back to the main key center or tonality of song.
  • kc() = Modulation to new key center relative to main key center.ie kc(↑ P4) would be a modulation up a perfect fourth from the song's main key center.
  • prime ´ = Prime Modulation, root same chord type changes
  • rmi = Relative Minor Modulation relative to main key center
  • pmi = Parallel Minor Modulation relative to main key center
  • rma = Relative Major Modulation relative to main key center
  • pma = Parallel Major Modulation relative to main key center
  • TB = Turnback - This is typically one or two bars in duration and leads back to an A section or to a new section.

Common Harmonic Priniciples

cyl()

Cycle - 3 of more chords the same intervalic distance apart and the same chord species. cyl(x, y, z) x = number of chords in cycle, x = interval and ↑ or ↓ direction, y = chord type.
   ie cyl(4, P4 ↓, 7th)

FD cyl()

FD cyl - Full Diatonic cycle starting on chord Y. Default is major. if not major indicate scale or mode
   ie cyl(Δ, VI ↓ IV)
   ie cyl(-, VI ↓ IV)
   ie cyl(DOR, VI ↓ IV)

RC cyl()

RC cyl - Rhythm Changes Cycle. Default starts on III7 of key center and cycles thru 4 dominant 7th chords shortcut for cyl(4, P4 ↓, 7th). see Stompin' at the Savoy for ↑P4 RC cyl().

pi3

Picardy Third - Minor II V resolving to a major I. ie Am7b5 D7 Gmaj7

ur()

Unresolved - Typically a
that does not resolve to its I chord. Δ for major (eg Dm7 G7)
- or mi for minor (Dm7b5 G7)

/

Double Functions Chords - Setting up a modulation to new key center.

The following symbols are used to indicate form.

  • :] = Repeat(s) :] or [:    :] followed by x and a number if more that the standard repeat
  • a) = Rehearsal Letters. A, B, C, D, etc...
  • coda = Standard coda used in music
  • D.S. = Standard D.S. used in music