Standards
Moon Rays chords & key
“Moon Rays” is a jazz standard by Horace Silver. Most bands play it in E♭ major, latin; the tune runs 48 bars in AAB form. Harmonically it contains 5 major ii–V–I cadences and 5 minor ii–V–i, uses 23 different chords and moves between the key centres E♭ major, F minor, G major, A minor and G minor.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — E♭ major
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
Most used chords
- B♭7×8
- Fm7×5
- E♭maj7/B♭×4
- E♭maj7×3
- Am7×3
- Fm7/B♭×2
Key centres reached by ii–V
E♭ major, F minor, G major, A minor and G minor
Standards with similar changes
Similarity of the chord progression, independent of key.
Frequently asked questions
What key is Moon Rays in?
Moon Rays is usually played in E♭ major. For B♭ instruments that is F major, for E♭ instruments C major.
Who wrote Moon Rays?
Moon Rays was written by Horace Silver.
What is the form of Moon Rays?
Moon Rays has 3 sections (AAB) with 48 bars in total.
How fast is Moon Rays played?
The usual groove is Latin.
What are the chord changes to Moon Rays?
The opening bars are Fm7/Bb | Bb7 | Ebmaj7/Bb | Ebmaj7/Bb. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.