Milestones

by Miles Davis

Common Keys: Eb
First Melodic Interval: P5 ↑ M2
Form:

Triggers

Dorian

↑M2 Aeolian


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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

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Curt Sheller is the author of over 30 books on guitar, ukulele and music. A jazz guitarist and educator with over 40 years playing experience and 20 years teaching. Curt's CurtSheller.com and JazzGuitarResources.com sites are considered the top resource for jazz guitarists and ukulele players. Get a FREE Basic Member Subscription or Premium Member Subscription.

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