Standards · 1957
The Star-Crossed Lovers chords & key
“The Star-Crossed Lovers” is a jazz standard by Strayhorn-Ellington from 1957. It is usually played in D♭ major as a ballad, and the 22-bar ABC form has 3 sections. Harmonically it contains 1 major ii–V–I cadence and 1 minor ii–V–i, uses 24 different chords and moves between the key centres D♭ major and F minor. In this atlas it appears on 1 album track.
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
- D♭maj7/A♭×5
- G♭maj7×4
- A♭13×4
- D♭maj7×3
- G9♭5×2
- B♭m7×2
Key centres reached by ii–V
D♭ major and F minor
Recorded on these albums
| 2014 | In Gröna Lund 1963 Duke Ellington · “The Star Crossed Lovers” |
Frequently asked questions
What key is The Star-Crossed Lovers in?
The Star-Crossed Lovers is usually played in D♭ major. For B♭ instruments that is E♭ major, for E♭ instruments B♭ major.
Who wrote The Star-Crossed Lovers?
The Star-Crossed Lovers was written by Strayhorn-Ellington (1957).
What is the form of The Star-Crossed Lovers?
The Star-Crossed Lovers has 3 sections (ABC) with 22 bars in total.
How fast is The Star-Crossed Lovers played?
The usual groove is Ballad.
What are the chord changes to The Star-Crossed Lovers?
The opening bars are Gbmaj7 G9b5 | Dbmaj7/Ab Bbm7 | Ebm7 Ab13 | Dbmaj7 G7b5. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.