What are rhythm changes?
"Rhythm changes" refers to a chord progression that derives from George Gershwin's song "I Got Rhythm," which was introduced in the musical "Girl Crazy" in 1930. This progression became one of the most fundamental and widely used chord sequences in jazz and popular music, serving as the foundation for countless jazz standards and compositions.
Characteristics of Rhythm Changes
The chord progression of "I Got Rhythm" is typically structured in the form of a 32-bar AABA or AABC form, where the A sections follow a specific chord progression and the B section (also known as the "bridge") features a contrasting progression. Here's a basic outline of the progression in the key of B♭ major, which is a common key for rhythm changes:
- A Section: The A section is characterized by a quick chord progression that often starts with a I-vi-ii-V sequence in the first four bars, followed by variations in the next four bars, which lead back to the I chord or a turnaround that sets up the next section or repetition of the A section.
- B Section (Bridge): The bridge typically moves to a different key center, often starting with a III7 chord (in the key of B♭, this would be a D7 chord), and features a series of dominant seventh chords moving in descending fourths (or ascending fifths).
Importance in Jazz
Rhythm changes are crucial in jazz for several reasons:
- Improvisational Framework: They provide a harmonically rich and flexible framework for improvisation, allowing musicians to explore a wide range of melodic and harmonic ideas.
- Technical Development: Practicing rhythm changes is a rite of passage for jazz musicians, helping them develop technical proficiency and deepen their understanding of harmonic progression and chord substitutions.
- Repertoire: Many jazz standards and compositions are based on rhythm changes, making it essential for jazz musicians to be familiar with them to navigate a significant portion of the jazz repertoire.
Variations and Adaptations
Over the years, musicians have introduced countless variations to the rhythm changes, employing chord substitutions, altering the harmonic rhythm (the rate at which chords change), and modifying the form itself to create new compositions. These adaptations demonstrate the flexibility and enduring popularity of rhythm changes in jazz and beyond.
Learning and mastering rhythm changes is considered a fundamental aspect of jazz education, highlighting the progression's central role in the genre's history and its ongoing development.