Jazz lead sheet · Intermediate
Solar
A 12-bar loop of ii–Vs that tours three keys, each a whole step lower.
- Composer
- Miles Davis
- Form
- 12 bars
- Key
- C minor
- Style
- Swing
- Length
- 12 bars
AC minorF major
i(maj7)C Mel. minor
i(maj7)C Mel. minor
ii7G Dorian
V7C Mixolydian
E♭ major
Imaj7F Ionian
Imaj7F Ionian
ii7F Dorian
V7B♭ Mixolydian
D♭ majorC minor
Imaj7E♭ Ionian
ii7E♭ Dorian
V7A♭ Mixolydian
Imaj7D♭ Ionian
iiø7D Locrian
V7G Phryg. dom.
For students
What to notice
- The tune starts on C minor with a major 7th (melodic minor colour).
- Each ii–V turns the previous chord into a new key: Gm7–C7 → F, Fm7–B♭7 → E♭, E♭m7–A♭7 → D♭.
- Bar 12 is a minor ii–V (Dm7♭5–G7) that brings you back to C minor.
Practice plan
Three steps to improvising
- Name each key area before you play: C minor, F, E♭, D♭, C minor.
- Practise maj7 → m7 on the same root (Fmaj7 → Fm7): only the 3rd and 7th change.
- Improvise with guide tones only for a whole chorus, then add passing notes.
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.