Jazz lead sheet · Advanced
Rhythm Changes in C
The rhythm changes in C, an easy key to see the I–vi–ii–V and the dominant bridge.
- Composer
- Traditional form
- Form
- AABA, 32 bars
- Key
- C major
- Style
- Swing
- Length
- 32 bars
A1C major
I6C Ionian
V7/iiA Phryg. dom.
ii7D Dorian
V7G Mixolydian
E Dorian
V7/iiA Phryg. dom.
ii7D Dorian
V7G Mixolydian
G Dorian
V7/IVC Mixolydian
IVmaj7F Lydian
♯iv°7F♯ W–H dim.
E Dorian
V7/iiA Phryg. dom.
ii7D Dorian
V7G Mixolydian
A2
I6C Ionian
V7/iiA Phryg. dom.
ii7D Dorian
V7G Mixolydian
E Dorian
V7/iiA Phryg. dom.
ii7D Dorian
V7G Mixolydian
G Dorian
V7/IVC Mixolydian
IVmaj7F Lydian
♯iv°7F♯ W–H dim.
ii7D Dorian
V7G Mixolydian
I6C Ionian
B
V7/viE Mixolydian
V7/viE Mixolydian
V7/iiA Mixolydian
V7/iiA Mixolydian
V7/VD Mixolydian
V7/VD Mixolydian
V7G Mixolydian
V7G Mixolydian
A3
I6C Ionian
V7/iiA Phryg. dom.
ii7D Dorian
V7G Mixolydian
E Dorian
V7/iiA Phryg. dom.
ii7D Dorian
V7G Mixolydian
G Dorian
V7/IVC Mixolydian
IVmaj7F Lydian
♯iv°7F♯ W–H dim.
ii7D Dorian
V7G Mixolydian
I6C Ionian
For students
What to notice
- The A sections are I–VI7–ii–V: C6–A7–Dm7–G7, with A7 acting as V7/ii.
- Bar 5 uses Gm7–C7 to reach Fmaj7, then F♯°7 rises a half step back toward C.
- The bridge falls in 5ths: E7 → A7 → D7 → G7, each one the V7 of the next.
Practice plan
Three steps to improvising
- Play the guide tones through the A section and listen for the half-step moves.
- Name the key each bridge dominant points to before you improvise.
- Play the whole form with roots only, at a slow tempo, then add the turnarounds.
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.