Standards

Turnaround chords & key

Key
C major
Form
A
Bars
12
Groove
Medium swing
Time signature
4/4

“Turnaround” is a jazz standard by Ornette Coleman. It is usually played in C major as a medium swing, and the 12-bar A form repeats as one section. Its changes follow the 12-bar blues.

Chord changes

Showing in: Concert (C) — C major

A
C7
F7
C7
C7
F7
Fm7
C7
C7
Cm7D♭m7
Bm7Am7
C7
G7

Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.

Harmonic analysis

0Major ii–V–I
0Minor ii–V–i
0ii–V moves
0Tritone substitutions
2Dominant chains
8Different chords

Most used chords

  • C7×6
  • F7×2
  • Fm7×1
  • Cm7×1
  • D♭m7×1
  • Bm7×1

Characteristics

  • 12-bar blues

Frequently asked questions

What key is Turnaround in?

Turnaround is usually played in C major. For B♭ instruments that is D major, for E♭ instruments A major.

Who wrote Turnaround?

Turnaround was written by Ornette Coleman.

What is the form of Turnaround?

Turnaround has 1 sections (A) with 12 bars in total.

How fast is Turnaround played?

The usual groove is Medium swing.

What are the chord changes to Turnaround?

The opening bars are C7 | F7 | C7 | C7. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.