Standards
A Sound For Sore Ears chords & key
- Key
- E♭ major
- Form
- ABC
- Bars
- 24
- Groove
- Even eighths
- Time signature
- 4/4
“A Sound For Sore Ears” is a jazz standard by Jimmy Heath. Most bands play it in E♭ major, even eighths; the tune runs 24 bars in ABC form. Harmonically it contains 2 major ii–V–I cadences, uses 11 different chords and moves between the key centres A major and A♭ major.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — E♭ major
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
Most used chords
- B♭7sus×8
- G7sus×8
- A♭maj7×2
- Bm7×1
- E7×1
- Amaj7×1
Key centres reached by ii–V
A major and A♭ major
Frequently asked questions
What key is A Sound For Sore Ears in?
A Sound For Sore Ears is usually played in E♭ major. For B♭ instruments that is F major, for E♭ instruments C major.
Who wrote A Sound For Sore Ears?
A Sound For Sore Ears was written by Jimmy Heath.
What is the form of A Sound For Sore Ears?
A Sound For Sore Ears has 3 sections (ABC) with 24 bars in total.
How fast is A Sound For Sore Ears played?
The usual groove is Even eighths.
What are the chord changes to A Sound For Sore Ears?
The opening bars are Bb7sus | Bb7sus | Bb7sus | Bb7sus. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.