Standards
The Peacocks chords & key
“The Peacocks” is a jazz standard by Jimmy Rowles. Most bands play it in B♭ minor, ballad; the tune runs 32 bars in AABA form. Harmonically it contains no major ii–V–I cadences and 7 minor ii–V–i, uses 17 different chords and moves between the key centres E♭ minor, B♭ minor and C♯ minor.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — B♭ minor
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
Most used chords
- B♭m×11
- E♭m7×6
- B♭mmaj7×4
- B♭m7×3
- B♭m6×3
- G♭m7×3
Key centres reached by ii–V
E♭ minor, B♭ minor and C♯ minor
Characteristics
- AABA song form
Standards with similar changes
Similarity of the chord progression, independent of key.
| Title | Key |
|---|---|
| Bohemia After Dark 30% | G minor |
| Tempus Fugit 23% | D minor |
| Petit Fleur 20% | G minor |
| Sugar 20% | C minor |
Frequently asked questions
What key is The Peacocks in?
The Peacocks is usually played in B♭ minor. For B♭ instruments that is C minor, for E♭ instruments G minor.
Who wrote The Peacocks?
The Peacocks was written by Jimmy Rowles.
What is the form of The Peacocks?
The Peacocks has 4 sections (AABA) with 32 bars in total.
How fast is The Peacocks played?
The usual groove is Ballad.
What are the chord changes to The Peacocks?
The opening bars are Bbm Bbmmaj7 | Bbm7 Bbm6 | Bbm Gbm7 | Fm7 Bb13. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.