Standards
The African Queen chords & key
- Key
- C minor
- Form
- AAB
- Bars
- 22
- Groove
- Medium swing
- Time signature
- 4/4
“The African Queen” is a jazz standard by Horace Silver. Most bands play it in C minor, medium swing; the tune runs 22 bars in AAB form.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — C minor
A
A
B
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
0Major ii–V–I
0Minor ii–V–i
0ii–V moves
18Tritone substitutions
0Dominant chains
6Different chords
Most used chords
- Cm9×20
- D♭9×20
- B♭7×1
- A7×1
- A♭7×1
- G7×1
Standards with similar changes
Similarity of the chord progression, independent of key.
| Title | Key |
|---|---|
| Serenade To A Soul Sister 28% | E♭ minor |
| Nothing Personal 27% | G minor |
Frequently asked questions
What key is The African Queen in?
The African Queen is usually played in C minor. For B♭ instruments that is D minor, for E♭ instruments A minor.
Who wrote The African Queen?
The African Queen was written by Horace Silver.
What is the form of The African Queen?
The African Queen has 3 sections (AAB) with 22 bars in total.
How fast is The African Queen played?
The usual groove is Medium swing.
What are the chord changes to The African Queen?
The opening bars are Cm9 Db9 | Cm9 Db9 | Cm9 Db9 | Cm9 Db9. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.