Standards
The Opener chords & key
- Key
- C major
- Form
- ABB
- Bars
- 30
- Groove
- Medium swing
- Time signature
- 4/4
“The Opener” is a jazz standard by Bill Evans. Most bands play it in C major, medium swing; the tune runs 30 bars in ABB form. Harmonically it contains 4 major ii–V–I cadences and 4 minor ii–V–i, uses 24 different chords and moves between the key centres A minor, F major, C major, G minor and D minor.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — C major
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
Most used chords
- E7alt×6
- Am7×5
- Dm7×5
- Cmaj7×4
- Fmaj7×3
- Em7×3
Key centres reached by ii–V
A minor, F major, C major, G minor and D minor
Standards with similar changes
Similarity of the chord progression, independent of key.
| Title | Key |
|---|---|
| The Masquerade Is Over 26% | E♭ major |
| The Blue Room 24% | F major |
| Don't Worry 'Bout Me 24% | A♭ major |
| Donna Lee 24% | A♭ major |
| The Lady is a Tramp 24% | C major |
| Try A Little Tenderness 24% | E♭ major |
| Why Do I Love You? 24% | A♭ major |
| I Should Care 23% | C major |
Frequently asked questions
What key is The Opener in?
The Opener is usually played in C major. For B♭ instruments that is D major, for E♭ instruments A major.
Who wrote The Opener?
The Opener was written by Bill Evans.
What is the form of The Opener?
The Opener has 3 sections (ABB) with 30 bars in total.
How fast is The Opener played?
The usual groove is Medium swing.
What are the chord changes to The Opener?
The opening bars are Cmaj7 C7 | Bm7b5 E7alt | Am7 Abdim7 | Gm7 C7. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.