Standards
El Cajon chords & key
- Key
- B♭ major
- Form
- ABAC
- Bars
- 32
- Groove
- Bossa nova
- Time signature
- 4/4
“El Cajon” is a jazz standard by Johnny Mandel. Most bands play it in B♭ major, bossa nova; the tune runs 32 bars in ABAC form.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — B♭ major
A
B
A
C
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
0Major ii–V–I
0Minor ii–V–i
5ii–V moves
0Tritone substitutions
7Dominant chains
16Different chords
Most used chords
- C7×7
- F7×5
- Cm7×3
- D7×2
- A♭7×2
- G7×2
Characteristics
- ABAC song form
Frequently asked questions
What key is El Cajon in?
El Cajon is usually played in B♭ major. For B♭ instruments that is C major, for E♭ instruments G major.
Who wrote El Cajon?
El Cajon was written by Johnny Mandel.
What is the form of El Cajon?
El Cajon has 4 sections (ABAC) with 32 bars in total.
How fast is El Cajon played?
The usual groove is Bossa nova.
What are the chord changes to El Cajon?
The opening bars are D7 Ab7 | G7 | C7 | C7. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.