Standards
The Rainbow Connection chords & key
- Key
- G major
- Form
- AAB
- Bars
- 34
- Groove
- Jazz waltz
- Time signature
- 3/4
“The Rainbow Connection” is a jazz standard by Williams-Ascher. Most bands play it in G major, jazz waltz; the tune runs 34 bars in AAB form. Harmonically it contains 3 major ii–V–I cadences and 1 minor ii–V–i, uses 10 different chords and moves between the key centres G major and A minor.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — G major
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
Most used chords
- Cmaj7×7
- Em7×5
- Am7×5
- Gmaj7×4
- D7sus×3
- Bm7×3
Key centres reached by ii–V
G major and A minor
Standards with similar changes
Similarity of the chord progression, independent of key.
| Title | Key |
|---|---|
| Don't Be That Way 38% | D♭ major |
| My Little Suede Shoes 35% | E♭ major |
| My One And Only Love 34% | C major |
| Airmail Special 33% | C major |
| Cotton Tail 32% | B♭ major |
| Again 30% | G major |
| My Heart Stood Still 30% | F major |
| This Time The Dream's On Me 30% | G major |
Frequently asked questions
What key is The Rainbow Connection in?
The Rainbow Connection is usually played in G major. For B♭ instruments that is A major, for E♭ instruments E major.
Who wrote The Rainbow Connection?
The Rainbow Connection was written by Williams-Ascher.
What is the form of The Rainbow Connection?
The Rainbow Connection has 3 sections (AAB) with 34 bars in total.
How fast is The Rainbow Connection played?
The usual groove is Jazz waltz.
What are the chord changes to The Rainbow Connection?
The opening bars are Gmaj7 | Em7 | Am7 | D7sus. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.