Standards
The Old Country chords & key
- Key
- D minor
- Form
- A
- Bars
- 16
- Groove
- Medium swing
- Time signature
- 4/4
“The Old Country” is a jazz standard by Adderley-Lewis. It is usually played in D minor as a medium swing, and the 16-bar A form repeats as one section. Harmonically it contains 1 major ii–V–I cadence and 4 minor ii–V–i, uses 15 different chords and moves between the key centres C minor and E♭ major.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — D minor
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
Most used chords
- Cm7×7
- Dm7♭5×5
- G7♭9×3
- G7♯9×2
- Fm7×2
- E♭maj7×2
Key centres reached by ii–V
C minor and E♭ major
Frequently asked questions
What key is The Old Country in?
The Old Country is usually played in D minor. For B♭ instruments that is E minor, for E♭ instruments B minor.
Who wrote The Old Country?
The Old Country was written by Adderley-Lewis.
What is the form of The Old Country?
The Old Country has 1 sections (A) with 16 bars in total.
How fast is The Old Country played?
The usual groove is Medium swing.
What are the chord changes to The Old Country?
The opening bars are Dm7b5 | Dm7b5 | G7#9 | G7#9. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.