Standards
April chords & key
- Key
- G major
- Form
- ABA
- Bars
- 48
- Groove
- Medium-up swing
- Time signature
- 4/4
“April” is a jazz standard by Lennie Tristano. It is usually played in G major as a medium-up swing, and the 48-bar ABA form has 3 sections. Harmonically it contains 2 major ii–V–I cadences and 2 minor ii–V–i, uses 18 different chords and moves between the key centres A minor, G major and E major.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — G major
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
Most used chords
- C7×12
- Gmaj7×10
- D♯7×3
- D7×3
- Am7×3
- Cm7×3
Key centres reached by ii–V
A minor, G major and E major
Frequently asked questions
What key is April in?
April is usually played in G major. For B♭ instruments that is A major, for E♭ instruments E major.
Who wrote April?
April was written by Lennie Tristano.
What is the form of April?
April has 3 sections (ABA) with 48 bars in total.
How fast is April played?
The usual groove is Medium-up swing.
What are the chord changes to April?
The opening bars are Gmaj7 | Gmaj7 | C7 | C7. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.