Autumn Leaves
Composed by Joseph Kosma (1945)Form: AABA32 bars4/4beginner
The quintessential jazz standard for beginners. Autumn Leaves cycles through a complete ii-V-I in the relative major and then ii-V-i in the relative minor, making it the perfect vehicle for practicing the most important jazz progression in both major and minor contexts.
Ready
160 BPM
Notation
AA Section
A2A Section (repeat)
BB Section (Bridge)
CC Section (Ending)
Section Analysis
Summary
ii-V-I in Bb major, then ii-V-i in G minor.
Harmonic Insight
The first 4 bars descend through the circle of fourths in Bb major (Cm7→F7→Bbmaj7→Ebmaj7), then bars 5-8 do the same in G minor (Am7b5→D7→Gm7). This is the core of the tune.
Scale Guide
- Cm7: C Dorian (C D Eb F G A Bb)
- F7: F Mixolydian (F G A Bb C D Eb)
- Bbmaj7: Bb Ionian (Bb C D Eb F G A)
- Ebmaj7: Eb Lydian (Eb F G A Bb C D)
- Am7b5: A Locrian (A Bb C D Eb F G)
- D7: D Harmonic Minor of G (D Eb F# G A Bb C) or D Altered
- Gm7: G Dorian (G A Bb C D E F) or G Aeolian (G A Bb C D Eb F)
Practice Tips
- Practice the ii-V-I in Bb major first, then the ii-V-i in G minor.
- Note how Ebmaj7 (IVmaj7 of Bb) connects smoothly to Am7b5 (iiø7 of G minor).
- On the D7, try using the G harmonic minor scale for an authentic minor V7 sound.