Standards

The Balance chords & key

Key
G minor
Form
A
Bars
8
Groove
Even sixteenths
Time signature
5/4

“The Balance” is a jazz standard by Dave Holland. It is usually played in G minor as a even sixteenths, and the 8-bar A form repeats as one section. Harmonically it contains no major ii–V–I cadences and 1 minor ii–V–i, uses 9 different chords.

Chord changes

Showing in: Concert (C) — G minor

A
Gm7
Em11Fm7
Gm7
Em11Fm7
Am7♭5D7♭9
Fm7Em7♭5A7
Dm11D♭maj7♯11
Dm11D♭maj7♯11

Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.

Harmonic analysis

0Major ii–V–I
1Minor ii–V–i
2ii–V moves
0Tritone substitutions
0Dominant chains
9Different chords

Most used chords

  • Fm7×3
  • Gm7×2
  • Em11×2
  • Dm11×2
  • D♭maj7♯11×2
  • Am7♭5×1

Frequently asked questions

What key is The Balance in?

The Balance is usually played in G minor. For B♭ instruments that is A minor, for E♭ instruments E minor.

Who wrote The Balance?

The Balance was written by Dave Holland.

What is the form of The Balance?

The Balance has 1 sections (A) with 8 bars in total.

How fast is The Balance played?

The usual groove is Even sixteenths.

What are the chord changes to The Balance?

The opening bars are Gm7 | Em11 Fm7 | Gm7 | Em11 Fm7. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.