Standards
Barbara chords & key
- Key
- E♭ major
- Form
- ABB
- Bars
- 30
- Groove
- Jazz waltz
- Time signature
- 6/4
“Barbara” is a jazz standard by Horace Silver. Most bands play it in E♭ major, jazz waltz; the tune runs 30 bars in ABB form. Harmonically it contains 3 major ii–V–I cadences and 1 minor ii–V–i, uses 16 different chords and moves between the key centres F♯ major, F minor and E♭ 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♭7♭5♭9×4
- G♭maj7×4
- Fm7×4
- D♭maj7×4
- B♭7×3
- A♭7♭5♭9×2
Key centres reached by ii–V
F♯ major, F minor and E♭ major
Standards with similar changes
Similarity of the chord progression, independent of key.
| Title | Key |
|---|---|
| Freight Train 24% | A♭ major |
| Bunko 21% | F major |
| Lover 21% | E♭ major |
| This I Dig Of You 20% | B♭ major |
Frequently asked questions
What key is Barbara in?
Barbara is usually played in E♭ major. For B♭ instruments that is F major, for E♭ instruments C major.
Who wrote Barbara?
Barbara was written by Horace Silver.
What is the form of Barbara?
Barbara has 3 sections (ABB) with 30 bars in total.
How fast is Barbara played?
The usual groove is Jazz waltz.
What are the chord changes to Barbara?
The opening bars are Bb7b5b9 | Bb7b5b9 | Ab7b5b9 | Ab7b5b9. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.