Standards
Radio chords & key
- Key
- F major
- Form
- AB
- Bars
- 31
- Groove
- Medium-up swing
- Time signature
- 4/4
“Radio” is a jazz standard by Steve Swallow. Most bands play it in F major, medium-up swing; the tune runs 31 bars in AB form. Harmonically it contains no major ii–V–I cadences and 2 minor ii–V–i, uses 32 different chords and moves between the key centres E minor and C minor.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — F major
A
B
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
0Major ii–V–I
2Minor ii–V–i
7ii–V moves
1Tritone substitutions
5Dominant chains
32Different chords
Most used chords
- Em7×3
- B7♯5×2
- G♭7×2
- Bm7×2
- E7×2
- B♭7♯11×2
Key centres reached by ii–V
E minor and C minor
Frequently asked questions
What key is Radio in?
Radio is usually played in F major. For B♭ instruments that is G major, for E♭ instruments D major.
Who wrote Radio?
Radio was written by Steve Swallow.
What is the form of Radio?
Radio has 2 sections (AB) with 31 bars in total.
How fast is Radio played?
The usual groove is Medium-up swing.
What are the chord changes to Radio?
The opening bars are Fmaj7 E7#9 | Am7 | D9#11 | Dm9 B7#5. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.