Standards

Isotope chords & key

Key
C major
Form
A
Bars
12
Groove
Medium-up swing
Time signature
4/4

“Isotope” is a jazz standard by Joe Henderson. Most bands play it in C major, medium-up swing; the tune runs 12 bars in A form. Its changes follow the 12-bar blues.

Chord changes

Showing in: Concert (C) — C major

In
×2
C7A7
E♭7D7
G7C7
G7C7
F7
B♭7
C7
A7sus
A♭7sus
Dm7G7
C7A7
G♭7E♭7
A
C7
C7
C7
C7
F7
B♭7
C7
A7
A♭7
G7
C7A7
G♭7E♭7

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

Harmonic analysis

0Major ii–V–I
0Minor ii–V–i
2ii–V moves
0Tritone substitutions
15Dominant chains
12Different chords

Most used chords

  • C7×16
  • G7×7
  • A7×6
  • E♭7×5
  • F7×3
  • B♭7×3

Characteristics

  • 12-bar blues

Frequently asked questions

What key is Isotope in?

Isotope is usually played in C major. For B♭ instruments that is D major, for E♭ instruments A major.

Who wrote Isotope?

Isotope was written by Joe Henderson.

What is the form of Isotope?

Isotope has 1 sections (A) with 12 bars in total.

How fast is Isotope played?

The usual groove is Medium-up swing.

What are the chord changes to Isotope?

The opening bars are C7 A7 | Eb7 D7 | G7 C7 | G7 C7. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.