Standards
The Moontrane chords & key
- Key
- D major
- Form
- AABA
- Bars
- 32
- Groove
- Medium swing
- Time signature
- 4/4
“The Moontrane” is a jazz standard by Woody Shaw. Most bands play it in D major, medium swing; the tune runs 32 bars in AABA form. Harmonically it contains 2 major ii–V–I cadences and 1 minor ii–V–i, uses 23 different chords and moves between the key centres B♭ major, E♭ major and G minor.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — D major
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
Most used chords
- A♯maj7×6
- Am7×6
- Fm7×5
- Dmaj7×4
- A♯maj7♯11×4
- Cm7×4
Key centres reached by ii–V
B♭ major, E♭ major and G minor
Characteristics
- AABA song form
Frequently asked questions
What key is The Moontrane in?
The Moontrane is usually played in D major. For B♭ instruments that is E major, for E♭ instruments B major.
Who wrote The Moontrane?
The Moontrane was written by Woody Shaw.
What is the form of The Moontrane?
The Moontrane has 4 sections (AABA) with 32 bars in total.
How fast is The Moontrane played?
The usual groove is Medium swing.
What are the chord changes to The Moontrane?
The opening bars are Dmaj7 | Dmaj7 | Dmaj7 | Dmaj7. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.