Standards
Red Clay chords & key
“Red Clay” is a jazz standard by Freddie Hubbard. Most bands play it in C♯ minor, funk; the tune runs 16 bars in AABB form. Harmonically it contains 2 major ii–V–I cadences and 1 minor ii–V–i, uses 12 different chords and moves between the key centres A major and C♯ minor.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — C♯ minor
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
Most used chords
- C♯m11×2
- Bm11×2
- D7sus×2
- E7sus×2
- F♯7sus×2
- G♯7sus×2
Key centres reached by ii–V
A major and C♯ minor
Standards with similar changes
Similarity of the chord progression, independent of key.
| Title | Key |
|---|---|
| Bernie's Tune 30% | D minor |
| You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To 22% | A minor |
| No Splice 21% | G minor |
Frequently asked questions
What key is Red Clay in?
Red Clay is usually played in C♯ minor. For B♭ instruments that is E♭ minor, for E♭ instruments B♭ minor.
Who wrote Red Clay?
Red Clay was written by Freddie Hubbard.
What is the form of Red Clay?
Red Clay has 4 sections (AABB) with 16 bars in total.
How fast is Red Clay played?
The usual groove is Funk.
What are the chord changes to Red Clay?
The opening bars are C#m11 | Bm11 | D7sus E7sus | F#7sus G#7sus. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.