Jazz lead sheet · Intermediate
My Funny Valentine
A Rodgers ballad in C minor, famous for its chromatic inner line and wide leaps.
- Composer
- Richard Rodgers
- Form
- AABA, 36 bars
- Key
- C minor
- Style
- Ballad
- Length
- 36 bars
A1C minor
iC Dorian
i(maj7)C Mel. minor
i7C Dorian
i6C Mel. minor
♭VImaj7A♭ Lydian
iv7F Dorian
iiø7D Locrian
V7G Phryg. dom.
A2
iC Dorian
i(maj7)C Mel. minor
i7C Dorian
i6C Mel. minor
♭VImaj7A♭ Lydian
iv7F Dorian
iiø7D Locrian
V7G Phryg. dom.
iC Dorian
BA♭ major
Imaj7A♭ Ionian
Imaj7A♭ Ionian
Imaj7A♭ Ionian
Imaj7A♭ Ionian
F Dorian
V7/VB♭ Mixolydian
Vmaj7E♭ Ionian
Vmaj7E♭ Lydian
A3C minor
iC Dorian
i(maj7)C Mel. minor
i7C Dorian
i6C Mel. minor
♭VImaj7A♭ Lydian
iv7F Dorian
iiø7D Locrian
V7G Phryg. dom.
iC Dorian
Tag
♭VImaj7A♭ Lydian
iv7F Dorian
iiø7D Locrian
V7G Phryg. dom.
iC Dorian
For students
What to notice
- The A section moves Cm–Cm(maj7)–Cm7–Cm6, walking the top voice down the chromatic scale.
- That single descending line (C, B, B♭, A) is the signature of the tune.
- The bridge rests on A♭maj7 (IV) before Fm7–B♭7–E♭maj7 turns back toward C minor.
Practice plan
Three steps to improvising
- Play the descending chromatic line with the backing until it feels natural.
- Outline the chromatic line, then add the chord roots beneath it.
- Improvise with C natural minor, raising B to the leading tone as the chords change.
For teachers
Using this chart in class
- Project the chart with Play along running and loop one section while students find the guide tones.
- Choose Practice → Name the numerals for a whole-class quiz: students vote, then reveal the explanation.
- Mixed ensemble? Print the worksheet once per transposition: B♭, E♭, F and bass clef parts all line up bar for bar.
- Share a link: the key, instrument and view you choose are saved in the address bar.
Chord changes are common performance versions written out by Music Theory Lessons. No melodies or lyrics are reproduced. Names of songs and composers are used only to identify each tune.