Standards
Moonlight Saving Time chords & key
- Key
- F major
- Form
- AABA
- Bars
- 32
- Groove
- Medium swing
- Time signature
- 4/4
“Moonlight Saving Time” is a jazz standard by Irving Kahal. It is usually played in F major as a medium swing, and the 32-bar AABA form has 4 sections. Harmonically it contains 7 major ii–V–I cadences, uses 17 different chords and moves between the key centres F major and B♭ major.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — F major
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
Most used chords
- C7×16
- Gm7×10
- F6×7
- A♭dim7×6
- G7×4
- Fmaj7×3
Key centres reached by ii–V
F major and B♭ major
Characteristics
- AABA song form
Standards with similar changes
Similarity of the chord progression, independent of key.
| Title | Key |
|---|---|
| I Like The Likes Of You 26% | E♭ major |
| Nevertheless 26% | B♭ major |
| Hello Dolly 24% | C major |
| I'm In The Mood For Love 24% | C major |
| Young At Heart 24% | B♭ major |
| That's Amore (That's Love) 23% | B♭ major |
| Dinah 22% | G major |
| It's A Lovely Day Today 22% | B♭ major |
Frequently asked questions
What key is Moonlight Saving Time in?
Moonlight Saving Time is usually played in F major. For B♭ instruments that is G major, for E♭ instruments D major.
Who wrote Moonlight Saving Time?
Moonlight Saving Time was written by Irving Kahal.
What is the form of Moonlight Saving Time?
Moonlight Saving Time has 4 sections (AABA) with 32 bars in total.
How fast is Moonlight Saving Time played?
The usual groove is Medium swing.
What are the chord changes to Moonlight Saving Time?
The opening bars are Fmaj7 Abdim7 | Gm7 C7 | F6 C7 | Am7 Abdim7. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.