Standards
Leila chords & key
- Key
- C major
- Form
- AABA
- Bars
- 32
- Groove
- Slow swing
- Time signature
- 4/4
“Leila” is a jazz standard by Wes Montgomery. Most bands play it in C major, slow swing; the tune runs 32 bars in AABA form. Harmonically it contains 12 major ii–V–I cadences and 3 minor ii–V–i, uses 17 different chords and moves between the key centres F major, G minor, A♭ major, B♭ 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
- Gm7×10
- Fmaj7×6
- C7♭9×6
- C7×4
- Am7×3
- D7♭9×3
Key centres reached by ii–V
F major, G minor, A♭ major, B♭ major and C major
Characteristics
- AABA song form
Standards with similar changes
Similarity of the chord progression, independent of key.
| Title | Key |
|---|---|
| Three Little Words 21% | C major |
| On A Clear Day 20% | G major |
Frequently asked questions
What key is Leila in?
Leila is usually played in C major. For B♭ instruments that is D major, for E♭ instruments A major.
Who wrote Leila?
Leila was written by Wes Montgomery.
What is the form of Leila?
Leila has 4 sections (AABA) with 32 bars in total.
How fast is Leila played?
The usual groove is Slow swing.
What are the chord changes to Leila?
The opening bars are Gm7 C7 | Am7 D7b9 | Gm7 C7 | Fmaj7. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.