Standards
A Smooth One chords & key
- Key
- F major
- Form
- AABA
- Bars
- 32
- Groove
- Medium-up swing
- Time signature
- 4/4
“A Smooth One” is a jazz standard by Benny Goodman. Most bands play it in F major, medium-up swing; the tune runs 32 bars in AABA form. Harmonically it contains 1 major ii–V–I cadence, uses 10 different chords.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — F major
A
1.
2.
B
A
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
1Major ii–V–I
0Minor ii–V–i
2ii–V moves
1Tritone substitutions
3Dominant chains
10Different chords
Most used chords
- F6×14
- Bdim7×11
- B♭6×11
- F6/A×9
- C7×4
- G7×3
Characteristics
- AABA song form
Standards with similar changes
Similarity of the chord progression, independent of key.
| Title | Key |
|---|---|
| Solitude 29% | E♭ major |
| Bunko 24% | F major |
| Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home 22% | G major |
| Alexander's Ragtime Band 21% | F major |
| The Preacher 21% | F major |
| Big Nick 20% | G major |
Frequently asked questions
What key is A Smooth One in?
A Smooth One is usually played in F major. For B♭ instruments that is G major, for E♭ instruments D major.
Who wrote A Smooth One?
A Smooth One was written by Benny Goodman.
What is the form of A Smooth One?
A Smooth One has 4 sections (AABA) with 32 bars in total.
How fast is A Smooth One played?
The usual groove is Medium-up swing.
What are the chord changes to A Smooth One?
The opening bars are Bdim7 Bb6 | F6/A F6 | Bdim7 Bb6 | F6/A F6. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.