Standards
Bunko chords & key
- Key
- F major
- Form
- AABA
- Bars
- 32
- Groove
- Medium swing
- Time signature
- 4/4
“Bunko” is a jazz standard by Lennie Niehaus. Most bands play it in F major, medium swing; the tune runs 32 bars in AABA form. Harmonically it contains 6 major ii–V–I cadences and 3 minor ii–V–i, uses 18 different chords and moves between the key centres F major, G minor, B♭ major and A♭ major.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — F major
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
Most used chords
- Gm7×7
- C7×7
- F6×6
- B♭maj7×5
- Fmaj7×3
- G♭dim7×3
Key centres reached by ii–V
F major, G minor, B♭ major and A♭ major
Characteristics
- AABA song form
Standards with similar changes
Similarity of the chord progression, independent of key.
| Title | Key |
|---|---|
| Solitude 47% | E♭ major |
| This Year's Kisses 38% | G major |
| Broadway 36% | B♭ major |
| Samba De Orfeu 35% | C major |
| Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love) 34% | B♭ major |
| Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home 32% | G major |
| Old Cape Cod 31% | E♭ major |
| Cotton Tail 30% | B♭ major |
Frequently asked questions
What key is Bunko in?
Bunko is usually played in F major. For B♭ instruments that is G major, for E♭ instruments D major.
Who wrote Bunko?
Bunko was written by Lennie Niehaus.
What is the form of Bunko?
Bunko has 4 sections (AABA) with 32 bars in total.
How fast is Bunko played?
The usual groove is Medium swing.
What are the chord changes to Bunko?
The opening bars are Fmaj7 Gbdim7 | Gm7 C7b9 | Am7 D7#9 | Gm7 C7. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.