Four — Chord Changes & Harmonic Analysis
- Composer:
- Miles Davis
- Year:
- 1954
- Key:
- Eb major
- Form:
- AABA (32 bars)
- Style:
- Bebop
- Tempo:
- 140–220 BPM
Four is a bebop composition by Miles Davis from 1954, based on the chord changes of I Got Rhythm. This 32-bar AABA form features the classic "rhythm changes" progression with added chromatic passing chords and bebop alterations. The tune is a staple of the jazz repertoire and demonstrates how bebop musicians transformed standard progressions with additional harmonic sophistication.
About This Standard
Composed by Miles Davis (though often attributed to Eddie Vinson, a dispute that remains unresolved) and recorded in 1954, Four is a brisk bebop vehicle in Eb major with a swinging, melodically inventive theme. It became a staple of the hard bop repertoire and is one of the most commonly called tunes at jazz jam sessions.
Notable recordings:
- Miles Davis — (1954 recording)
- Sonny Rollins — (various recordings)
- Bill Evans — (various recordings)
- Widely played — (jam session standard)
Chord Changes
Notation
Harmonic Analysis
Four is a 32-bar AABA standard in Eb major with clean, bebop-friendly harmonic movement. The A section features clear ii-V-I progressions in Eb with some chromatic passing chords (a brief move to Ab major). The bridge moves to a contrasting key center (Eb minor / Db major area) before the final A returns home. At medium-up to fast tempos, Four rewards clean bebop lines and smooth navigation of the ii-V-I cycles. Its manageable harmonic changes make it a good stepping stone from basic changes to more complex bebop.