Standards
Lennie's Pennies chords & key
- Key
- C minor
- Form
- AB
- Bars
- 32
- Groove
- Up-tempo swing
- Time signature
- 4/4
“Lennie's Pennies” is a jazz standard by Lennie Tristano. Most bands play it in C minor, up-tempo swing; the tune runs 32 bars in AB form. Harmonically it contains no major ii–V–I cadences and 3 minor ii–V–i, uses 9 different chords and moves between the key centres C minor and F minor.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — C minor
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
Most used chords
- Cm6×10
- Fm6×5
- D7×4
- G7×4
- C7♭9×3
- Dm7♭5×3
Key centres reached by ii–V
C minor and F minor
Standards with similar changes
Similarity of the chord progression, independent of key.
| Title | Key |
|---|---|
| Recado Bossa Nova 24% | G minor |
| Tempus Fugit 23% | D minor |
Frequently asked questions
What key is Lennie's Pennies in?
Lennie's Pennies is usually played in C minor. For B♭ instruments that is D minor, for E♭ instruments A minor.
Who wrote Lennie's Pennies?
Lennie's Pennies was written by Lennie Tristano.
What is the form of Lennie's Pennies?
Lennie's Pennies has 2 sections (AB) with 32 bars in total.
How fast is Lennie's Pennies played?
The usual groove is Up-tempo swing.
What are the chord changes to Lennie's Pennies?
The opening bars are Cm6 | Cm6 | D7 | G7. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.