Standards · 1954
Sway chords & key
“Sway” is a jazz standard by Ruiz-Gimbel from 1954. It is usually played in G minor as a latin, and the 32-bar AABA form has 4 sections. Harmonically it contains no major ii–V–I cadences and 3 minor ii–V–i, uses 6 different chords.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — G minor
A
1.
2.
B
A
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
0Major ii–V–I
3Minor ii–V–i
6ii–V moves
0Tritone substitutions
0Dominant chains
6Different chords
Most used chords
- D7×15
- Gm7×13
- Am7♭5×6
- E♭7×6
- F7×2
- B♭maj7×2
Characteristics
- AABA song form
Standards with similar changes
Similarity of the chord progression, independent of key.
| Title | Key |
|---|---|
| Comes Love 45% | G minor |
| Maybe September 25% | A minor |
| The Boulevard Of Broken Dreams 23% | D minor |
| My Heart Belongs To Daddy 23% | C minor |
| Minor Mood 22% | F minor |
| No Splice 22% | G minor |
| Sugar 22% | C minor |
| Interplay 21% | F minor |
Frequently asked questions
What key is Sway in?
Sway is usually played in G minor. For B♭ instruments that is A minor, for E♭ instruments E minor.
Who wrote Sway?
Sway was written by Ruiz-Gimbel (1954).
What is the form of Sway?
Sway has 4 sections (AABA) with 32 bars in total.
How fast is Sway played?
The usual groove is Latin.
What are the chord changes to Sway?
The opening bars are Am7b5 D7 | Am7b5 D7 | Gm7 | Gm7. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.