Rhythm Changes is one of the most common forms in jazz music. This chord progression is based off of George Gershwin’s hit composition, I Got Rhythm. It grew in popularity during the pioneering years of bebop, with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie leading the revolution. Rhythm Changes tunes such as Anthropology, Dexterity, and Oleo have become vehicles for jazz musicians to improvise on. Duke Ellington’s Cottontail is a Rhythm Changes tune that became a huge hit.
Practicing Rhythm Changes is important to do because it’s a form that embodies a large amount of repertoire; most importantly, its historically a vehicle for bebop, which is the common language of the modern jazz idiom. By practicing this important chord progression in all 12 keys, you will help develop your ears, improve your chops, and be able to apply this knowledge to any jazz standard.
Happy practicing.
Purchase the play-along album Rhythm Changes in all 12 Keys
Click on a key to practice
C Rhythm Changes
Db Rhythm Changes
D Rhythm Changes
Eb Rhythm Changes
E Rhythm Changes
F Rhythm Changes
Gb Rhythm Changes
G Rhythm Changes
Ab Rhythm Changes
A Rhythm Changes
Bb Rhythm Changes
B Rhythm Changes