Standards
Summer Serenade chords & key
- Key
- D♭ major
- Form
- ABAC
- Bars
- 32
- Groove
- Bossa nova
- Time signature
- 4/4
“Summer Serenade” is a jazz standard by Benny Carter. Most bands play it in D♭ major, bossa nova; the tune runs 32 bars in ABAC form. Harmonically it contains 1 major ii–V–I cadence, uses 22 different chords.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — D♭ major
A
B
A
C
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
1Major ii–V–I
0Minor ii–V–i
1ii–V moves
1Tritone substitutions
1Dominant chains
22Different chords
Most used chords
- D♭maj7×4
- A♭7×4
- Bmaj7×3
- G7×2
- Cmaj7×2
- G♭7×2
Characteristics
- ABAC song form
Frequently asked questions
What key is Summer Serenade in?
Summer Serenade is usually played in D♭ major. For B♭ instruments that is E♭ major, for E♭ instruments B♭ major.
Who wrote Summer Serenade?
Summer Serenade was written by Benny Carter.
What is the form of Summer Serenade?
Summer Serenade has 4 sections (ABAC) with 32 bars in total.
How fast is Summer Serenade played?
The usual groove is Bossa nova.
What are the chord changes to Summer Serenade?
The opening bars are Dbmaj7 | G7 | Cmaj7 | Gb7. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.