Standards
Rhythm-a-ning chords & key
- Key
- B♭ major
- Form
- AABA
- Bars
- 32
- Groove
- Medium-up swing
- Time signature
- 4/4
“Rhythm-a-ning” is a jazz standard by Thelonious Monk. Most bands play it in B♭ major, medium-up swing; the tune runs 32 bars in AABA form. Harmonically it contains 4 major ii–V–I cadences, uses 11 different chords. The bridge uses the cycle of dominants known from Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm” — so-called rhythm changes.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — B♭ major
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
Most used chords
- G7×11
- F7×11
- Cm7×9
- B♭×6
- B♭7×3
- B♭7/D×3
Characteristics
- Rhythm changes
- AABA song form
History
The following is a list of compositions by jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk (1917–1982).
Read the full article on Wikipedia ↗ · From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Standards with similar changes
Similarity of the chord progression, independent of key.
| Title | Key |
|---|---|
| Flintstones 43% | B♭ major |
| Brotherhood Of Man 33% | E♭ major |
| Little Peace In C For You 32% | C major |
| Creole Love Call 31% | B♭ major |
| Crazy Rhythm 28% | F major |
| For Sentimental Reasons 27% | F major |
| I Got Rhythm 26% | B♭ major |
| Since I Fell For You 26% | E♭ major |
Frequently asked questions
What key is Rhythm-a-ning in?
Rhythm-a-ning is usually played in B♭ major. For B♭ instruments that is C major, for E♭ instruments G major.
Who wrote Rhythm-a-ning?
Rhythm-a-ning was written by Thelonious Monk.
What is the form of Rhythm-a-ning?
Rhythm-a-ning has 4 sections (AABA) with 32 bars in total.
How fast is Rhythm-a-ning played?
The usual groove is Medium-up swing.
What are the chord changes to Rhythm-a-ning?
The opening bars are Bb G7 | Cm7 F7 | Bb G7 | Cm7 F7. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.