Standards · 1947
Half Nelson chords & key
- Key
- C major
- Form
- A
- Bars
- 16
- Groove
- Up-tempo swing
- Time signature
- 4/4
- Year
- 1947
“Half Nelson” is a jazz standard by Miles Davis from 1947. Most bands play it in C major, up-tempo swing; the tune runs 16 bars in A form. Harmonically it contains 2 major ii–V–I cadences, uses 14 different chords and moves between the key centres A♭ major and C major.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — C major
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
Most used chords
- Cmaj7×5
- A♭maj7×3
- Fm7×1
- B♭7×1
- Bm7×1
- E7×1
Key centres reached by ii–V
A♭ major and C major
Standards with similar changes
Similarity of the chord progression, independent of key.
Frequently asked questions
What key is Half Nelson in?
Half Nelson is usually played in C major. For B♭ instruments that is D major, for E♭ instruments A major.
Who wrote Half Nelson?
Half Nelson was written by Miles Davis (1947).
What is the form of Half Nelson?
Half Nelson has 1 sections (A) with 16 bars in total.
How fast is Half Nelson played?
The usual groove is Up-tempo swing.
What are the chord changes to Half Nelson?
The opening bars are Cmaj7 | Cmaj7 | Fm7 | Bb7. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.