Standards · 1941
Epistrophy chords & key
- Key
- D♭ major
- Form
- ABCB
- Bars
- 32
- Groove
- Medium swing
- Time signature
- 4/4
- Year
- 1941
“Epistrophy” is a jazz standard by Kenny Clarke and Thelonious Monk from 1941. Most bands play it in D♭ major, medium swing; the tune runs 32 bars in ABCB form.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — D♭ major
A
B
C
B
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
0Major ii–V–I
0Minor ii–V–i
1ii–V moves
0Tritone substitutions
0Dominant chains
6Different chords
Most used chords
- D♭7×13
- D7×13
- E♭7×12
- E7×12
- G♭m6×4
- B7×2
Historic 78 rpm recordings
- EPISTROPHY KENNY CLARKE & HIS 52nd STREET BOYS · K. Clarke · "Sonny" Stitt · R… · 1950 archive.org ↗
Frequently asked questions
What key is Epistrophy in?
Epistrophy is usually played in D♭ major. For B♭ instruments that is E♭ major, for E♭ instruments B♭ major.
Who wrote Epistrophy?
Epistrophy was written by Kenny Clarke and Thelonious Monk (1941).
What is the form of Epistrophy?
Epistrophy has 4 sections (ABCB) with 32 bars in total.
How fast is Epistrophy played?
The usual groove is Medium swing.
What are the chord changes to Epistrophy?
The opening bars are Db7 D7 | Db7 D7 | Db7 D7 | Db7 D7. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.