Standards
The Bat chords & key
“The Bat” is a jazz standard by Pat Metheny. Most bands play it in G major, ballad; the tune runs 24 bars in BCC form. Harmonically it contains 3 major ii–V–I cadences and 1 minor ii–V–i, uses 31 different chords and moves between the key centres D major, G major and E♭ minor.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — G major
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
Most used chords
- D♯/A♯×10
- G♯/A♯×7
- D×4
- D♯maj7×4
- A♯/D×4
- G♯/C×4
Key centres reached by ii–V
D major, G major and E♭ minor
Frequently asked questions
What key is The Bat in?
The Bat is usually played in G major. For B♭ instruments that is A major, for E♭ instruments E major.
Who wrote The Bat?
The Bat was written by Pat Metheny.
What is the form of The Bat?
The Bat has 3 sections (BCC) with 24 bars in total.
How fast is The Bat played?
The usual groove is Ballad.
What are the chord changes to The Bat?
The opening bars are G D/F# Em A7 | D D Am7 D7 | G D/F# Em A7sus | D D Am. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.