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. In this atlas it appears on 16 album tracks.
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
Recorded on these albums
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.