Standards · 1960

Four On Six chords & key

Key
G minor
Form
A
Bars
16
Groove
Up-tempo swing
Time signature
4/4
Year
1960

“Four On Six” is a jazz standard by Wes Montgomery from 1960. Most bands play it in G minor, up-tempo swing; the tune runs 16 bars in A form. Harmonically it contains 1 major ii–V–I cadence and 1 minor ii–V–i, uses 12 different chords and moves between the key centres B♭ minor and B♭ major.

Chord changes

Showing in: Concert (C) — G minor

A
Gm7
Gm7
Gm7
Gm7
Cm7F7
B♭m7E♭7
Am7D7
E♭m7A♭7
Gm7
Gm7
Gm7
Cm7F7
B♭maj7Gm7
E♭7D7
Gm7
Am7♭5D7♭9

Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.

Harmonic analysis

1Major ii–V–I
1Minor ii–V–i
6ii–V moves
1Tritone substitutions
0Dominant chains
12Different chords

Most used chords

  • Gm7×9
  • Cm7×2
  • F7×2
  • E♭7×2
  • D7×2
  • B♭m7×1

Key centres reached by ii–V

B♭ minor and B♭ major

Standards with similar changes

Similarity of the chord progression, independent of key.

TitleComposerKeyFormGroove
Interplay 21% Bill Evans F minor A · 12 Medium swing

Frequently asked questions

What key is Four On Six in?

Four On Six is usually played in G minor. For B♭ instruments that is A minor, for E♭ instruments E minor.

Who wrote Four On Six?

Four On Six was written by Wes Montgomery (1960).

What is the form of Four On Six?

Four On Six has 1 sections (A) with 16 bars in total.

How fast is Four On Six played?

The usual groove is Up-tempo swing.

What are the chord changes to Four On Six?

The opening bars are Gm7 | Gm7 | Gm7 | Gm7. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.