Jazz Standard Analysis: Who Can I Turn To
What was the question?
Samuel Davies asked for a strategy to navigate through the song "Who Can I Turn To." This prompted a live demonstration of how to approach a new tune using voice leading and melody.
(48:52)
The core idea (in plain English)
Navigating a song isn't just about memorizing chords; it's about following the melody and identifying the key centers. In "Who Can I Turn To," the movement from the I chord to the II chord is crucial. By identifying the upper structures (like treating the Eb Maj7 and Gm7 as part of the same tonic family), you simplify🔗 the roadmap.
(53:25)
Fretboard breakdown (what to play)
Melody First: Always learn the melody and see how it relates to the chords. Play the melody and add the bass notes (chord roots) to hear the framework. (50:00)
Identify Tonic Families: In this tune, look at the Ebmaj7 and Gm7. They share so many notes that they function almost identically. You can treat them as the same "tonic" area. (53:25)
Target the Changes: Focus on the moment the harmony shifts, specifically the C7 going to F minor. This is where your guide tones (3rds and 7ths) must be precise to outline the change.
Common mistake to avoid
Don't overcomplicate the "A" section. A common error is trying to treat every single chord as a completely new key. Group related chords (like I and iii, or I and vi) into one "tonic area" to reduce the mental load while improvising.
A 10-minute practice assignment
Take the first 8 bars of "Who Can I Turn To" (or a similar standard).
Play the melody alone.
Play the melody while sustaining the root note of each chord.
Identify which chords belong to the "Tonic" family and which are "Dominant" (moving) chords. Mark them on your chart.
(56:41)
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