Standards
The Kicker chords & key
- Key
- B♭ major
- Form
- A
- Bars
- 12
- Groove
- Up-tempo swing
- Time signature
- 4/4
“The Kicker” is a jazz standard by Joe Henderson. Most bands play it in B♭ major, up-tempo swing; the tune runs 12 bars in A form. Harmonically it contains 1 major ii–V–I cadence and 1 minor ii–V–i, uses 9 different chords and moves between the key centres D♭ major and B♭ minor. Its changes follow the 12-bar blues.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — B♭ major
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
Most used chords
- B♭7×4
- E♭m7×1
- A♭7×1
- D♭maj7×1
- G♭maj7×1
- Cm7♭5×1
Key centres reached by ii–V
D♭ major and B♭ minor
Characteristics
- 12-bar blues
Standards with similar changes
Similarity of the chord progression, independent of key.
| Title | Key |
|---|---|
| Serenade To A Cuckoo 55% | F minor |
| Autumn Leaves 31% | G minor |
| Catch Me 31% | D minor |
| Manha De Carnaval (Black Orpheus) 25% | A minor |
| Sunny 23% | A minor |
| O Grande Amor 22% | A minor |
| Comes Love 21% | G minor |
| Don't Explain 20% | D minor |
Frequently asked questions
What key is The Kicker in?
The Kicker is usually played in B♭ major. For B♭ instruments that is C major, for E♭ instruments G major.
Who wrote The Kicker?
The Kicker was written by Joe Henderson.
What is the form of The Kicker?
The Kicker has 1 sections (A) with 12 bars in total.
How fast is The Kicker played?
The usual groove is Up-tempo swing.
What are the chord changes to The Kicker?
The opening bars are Bb7 | Bb7 | Bb7 | Bb7. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.