Standards
Ping Pong chords & key
- Key
- C major
- Form
- AAB
- Bars
- 48
- Groove
- Medium-up swing
- Time signature
- 4/4
“Ping Pong” is a jazz standard by Wayne Shorter. Most bands play it in C major, medium-up swing; the tune runs 48 bars in AAB form. Harmonically it contains 5 major ii–V–I cadences and 1 minor ii–V–i, uses 19 different chords and moves between the key centres B♭ major, E♭ major, B♭ minor and A♭ 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
- B♭13×12
- B13×12
- D♭maj7×4
- Cm7×4
- A♭maj7×3
- Fm7×3
Key centres reached by ii–V
B♭ major, E♭ major, B♭ minor and A♭ major
Frequently asked questions
What key is Ping Pong in?
Ping Pong is usually played in C major. For B♭ instruments that is D major, for E♭ instruments A major.
Who wrote Ping Pong?
Ping Pong was written by Wayne Shorter.
What is the form of Ping Pong?
Ping Pong has 3 sections (AAB) with 48 bars in total.
How fast is Ping Pong played?
The usual groove is Medium-up swing.
What are the chord changes to Ping Pong?
The opening bars are Bb13 | B13 | Bb13 | B13. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.