Standards
Palo Alto chords & key
- Key
- F major
- Form
- ABA
- Bars
- 32
- Groove
- Up-tempo swing
- Time signature
- 4/4
“Palo Alto” is a jazz standard by Lee Konitz. Most bands play it in F major, up-tempo swing; the tune runs 32 bars in ABA form. Harmonically it contains 5 major ii–V–I cadences, uses 15 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
- Fmaj7×8
- Gm7×4
- C7×4
- D7♭9×2
- Cm7×2
- F7×2
Key centres reached by ii–V
F major and B♭ major
Standards with similar changes
Similarity of the chord progression, independent of key.
| Title | Key |
|---|---|
| Eclypso 35% | E♭ major |
| Ballade 34% | F major |
| If There Is Someone Lovelier 32% | C major |
| Oh, Lady Be Good 31% | G major |
| Jeepers Creepers 30% | B♭ major |
| Deed I Do 29% | C major |
| I'm Putting All My Eggs In One Basket 29% | C major |
| The Love Nest 29% | E♭ major |
Frequently asked questions
What key is Palo Alto in?
Palo Alto is usually played in F major. For B♭ instruments that is G major, for E♭ instruments D major.
Who wrote Palo Alto?
Palo Alto was written by Lee Konitz.
What is the form of Palo Alto?
Palo Alto has 3 sections (ABA) with 32 bars in total.
How fast is Palo Alto played?
The usual groove is Up-tempo swing.
What are the chord changes to Palo Alto?
The opening bars are Fmaj7 | Fmaj7 | D7b9 | D7b9. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.