Songs for chord/key knowledge?

[IxnayE2000]

Hi everyone,

I'm working on teaching myself and I was thinking it would be nice to get to learning the different keys by playing some songs through every key and thinking about the chords as they relate to the key. So far my list consists of the 12-bar blues, jazz blues, rhythm changes, and Autumn Leaves. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[BassChuck]

You'll do well with that list you have already. And I'm sure you'll get some good suggestions. Understanding the Blues is really very fundamental to American music. Check out the changes to Charlie Parker's "Blues for Alice"... at first glance it doesn't look like blues progression , but it is a wonderful change to the traditional. Doing that one is all keys is a great practice. On a more 'folksy' note the changes to "Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out" are a fine look at blues.

Also check out the offerings at www.jazzbooks.com

[mambo4]

Your list is excellent for general understanding. Beyond that I'd suggest using songs in your preferred genre, since different styles will have different "typical" chord progressions. Also be aware that many pop/rock tunes will 'violate' the strict adherence to a key...chords that 'should' be minor will be replaced with major or dominant chords all the time.

after a while you can maybe slack off of going through EVERY key...in my experience (pop/rock/latin/swing) the key centers that get used most often are E A D G C F Bb Eb and their rel minors

[sammyp]

Originally Posted by IxnayE2000

Hi everyone,

I'm working on teaching myself and I was thinking it would be nice to get to learning the different keys by playing some songs through every key and thinking about the chords as they relate to the key. So far my list consists of the 12-bar blues, jazz blues, rhythm changes, and Autumn Leaves. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

LOL ..if you're moving these tunes thru 12 keys you're way ahead of 90% of us ...myself included ....you must have a crazy work ethic!

[summers]

Why Autumn leaves? Does that song cover most changes or types of chords?

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by summers

Why Autumn leaves? Does that song cover most changes or types of chords?

Chicago's "Colour My World"....also a staple for any wedding gig.

Riis