What does “Rhythm Changes” mean?
We refer to “Rhythm Changes” to a chord sequence made famous by George Gershwin’s tune “I Got Rhythm”. The A section of this tune features a two bar phrase with chords changing every other beat, like this:
I chord, VI chord, II chord, V chord.
In the key of C:
|| Cmaj7 Am7 | Dmin7 G7 |etc.
This sequence typically repeats and then varies in a myriad of ways for the rest of the A section.
I like to look at these chords as a “slice out of the cycle… look at just the roots: A – D – G – C! Can you find it in the cycle?
Why is it important?
This sequence shows up in a myriad of songs in a variety of styles. From “Anthropology” to “Straighten up And Fly Right” and “You and me and a Bottle Makes Three!”, rhythm changes are a formula we need to have under our belts!
Ultimate Short Cut?
Because these songs are often on the faster side with two beats per measure, it is considered a bit of a harder exercise for bass players. I do, however, have you covered… Start with the roots, and if need be, repeat them to create a “walking” feel. You can also do roots and fifths and roots and approach tones, but start here, with my ultimate mnemonic….
2 Replies to “The Ultimate Shortcut to Rhythm Changes”
Have you ever played Cake’s version of “I Will Survive”? I believe it walks down the cycle plus it’s a really funky, fun, bass line to play.
Fantastic mnemonic! Especially helpful for jazzers who like to play it beyond the speed of most metronomes … and in 2! On behalf of 99% of the bass world 😉 THANK YOU!