Standards
Black Nile chords & key
- Key
- D minor
- Form
- AABA
- Bars
- 32
- Groove
- Up-tempo swing
- Time signature
- 4/4
“Black Nile” is a jazz standard by Wayne Shorter. It is usually played in D minor as a up-tempo swing, and the 32-bar AABA form has 4 sections. Harmonically it contains 5 major ii–V–I cadences and 3 minor ii–V–i, uses 19 different chords and moves between the key centres B♭ major, F minor, E♭ major and D minor.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — D minor
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
Most used chords
- Dm6×8
- E♭7×5
- Fm7×4
- B♭7×3
- E♭maj7×3
- A7♭9×3
Key centres reached by ii–V
B♭ major, F minor, E♭ major and D minor
Characteristics
- AABA song form
Frequently asked questions
What key is Black Nile in?
Black Nile is usually played in D minor. For B♭ instruments that is E minor, for E♭ instruments B minor.
Who wrote Black Nile?
Black Nile was written by Wayne Shorter.
What is the form of Black Nile?
Black Nile has 4 sections (AABA) with 32 bars in total.
How fast is Black Nile played?
The usual groove is Up-tempo swing.
What are the chord changes to Black Nile?
The opening bars are Fm7 | Gbmaj7 | Ebm7 | Fm7 Dm7. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.