Cherokee

Overview

Understanding the Form of “Cherokee”

The 64-Bar AABA Structure

The form of “Cherokee” is an extended AABA pattern, common in jazz standards but with longer sections:

• A Section: 16 bars, repeated twice (32 bars total)
• B Section (Bridge): 16 bars
• Final A Section: 16 bars
• Total Length: 64 bars

This form allows for both melodic repetition and harmonic variation, providing a solid foundation for improvisation.

Key and Tonality

The Tune’s Tonal Center: B♭ Major

“Cherokee” is primarily in B♭ major, using this as the tonic key for much of its melody and harmony. However, the tune includes notable modulations:

• Modulation up a half step to B major during the bridge
• Modulation down by whole steps to A and then G major
• Return to B♭ major for the final section

These modulations create dynamic movement and challenge improvisers to navigate shifting tonal centers.

Harmonic Analysis of “Cherokee”

Core Harmonic Progressions

The harmonic landscape of “Cherokee” is centered around four primary functions:

1. Tonic (I): B♭ major 6 / major 7 chords
2. Subdominant (IV): E♭ major
3. Dominant (V): F7 and related dominants
4. Two-Five-One Progressions (ii-V-I): Fundamental jazz cadences throughout the tune

Non-Diatonic Chords and Special Dominants

• Backdoor Dominant: A♭7 resolves unexpectedly to B♭, providing a plagal-like coloration often called the “backdoor dominant.”
• Secondary Dominants: V7/IV, V7/II
• Altered and Half-Diminished Chords: Appear mainly in passing or for color, such as D half diminished and altered dominant chords.

Color Coding Harmonic Functions

When analyzing, we use a color-code to represent their function:

• Blue: Tonic
• Green: Subdominant
• Red: Dominant

This visual tool helps in understanding the harmonic flow and voice leading.

Melodic Analysis Using Movable Solfège

What is Movable Do Solfège?

Movable do solfège assigns syllables based on scale degrees rather than fixed pitches, which helps musicians internalize relationships between melody and harmony regardless of key:

• Do (1) – Tonic
• Re (2) – Supertonic
• Mi (3) – Mediant
• Fa (4) – Subdominant
• Sol (5) – Dominant
• La (6) – Submediant
• Ti (7) – Leading tone

This system is especially useful when transposing or modulating, as it keeps the functional role of each note clear.

Applying Movable Do to “Cherokee”

• The melody largely stays within the B♭ major scale, with occasional chromatic passing tones like the C♯ (sharp 2) which adds color without breaking the tonal framework.
• Singing the melody with the movable do solfège develops ear training and internalizes scale degrees relative to the tonic, making transposition and improvisation more intuitive.
• The movable do method also helps in hearing and executing two-five-one progressions across key changes.

The Bass Line and Walking Bass Techniques

Singing the Baseline with Movable Do

• The bass line in “Cherokee” follows typical jazz walking bass patterns, emphasizing chord tones and guide tones (3rds and 7ths).
• Singing the bass line notes using movable do solfège improves understanding of harmonic movement and voice leading.

Guide Tones: The Heart of Jazz Harmony

What Are Guide Tones?

Guide tones are the 3rd and 7th notes of a chord, defining its quality and function within the progression.

• For example, in a dominant chord like F7, the 3rd and 7th guide tones create the tension that resolves to the tonic.
• Practicing guide tones strengthens your ability to outline harmony when improvising or comping.

Voice Leading with Guide Tones in “Cherokee”

• The melodic movement of guide tones creates smooth transitions between chords, often descending or ascending stepwise.
• Voice leading exercises focusing on these tones can boost both your rhythm section and solo playing skills.

Chord Scales and Modes in “Cherokee”

Common Jazz Modes and Scales Used

• Ionian Mode: The major scale (used on tonic chords)
• Dorian and Mixolydian Modes: Used over minor and dominant chords respectively
• Altered Scale: Applied to dominant chords with alterations for tension and color

Mixolydian Sharp 4 (Lydian Dominant)

• A key scale in “Cherokee” is the Mixolydian sharp 4, which adds a #11 (sharp 4) to the dominant sound.
• The B mixolydian #4 scale  is enharmonically equivalent to the F altered scale starting on B, illustrating the close relationship between altered dominants and dominant #4 sounds.

Practical Tips for Learning and Memorizing “Cherokee”

Use Movable Do for Ear Training and Transposition

• Sing the melody and bass lines in movable do to internalize scale degrees and chord functions.
• Practice transposing small phrases instead of the whole tune at once.
• Use the movable do solfège to identify and hear chord tones and tensions.

Memorize the Harmonic Progression’s Roadmap

• Instead of memorizing every chord, focus on the core progression: tonic → subdominant → dominant and ii-V-I sequences.
• Understand how dominant chords prepare resolution, including backdoor dominants and secondary dominants.

Practice with Voice Leading and Guide Tones

• Sing and play guide tones to solidify your harmonic understanding.
• Explore voice leading lines that connect chord tones smoothly.

Exploring Charlie Parker’s Version of “Cherokee”

Simplification and Emphasis on Dominant Chords

• Parker’s rendition often simplifies the chord changes, sometimes omitting two chords (like the ii in ii-V).
• The focus is on dominant chords and voice leading, which underscores the tune’s harmonic tension.

Learning from Early Jazz Recordings

• Listening closely to Parker’s solo and comping gives insight into effective use of guide tones and altered scales.
• His approach demonstrates how to navigate complex harmony with melodic clarity.

Final Thoughts and Practice Recommendations

Take Your Time with Mastery

Mastering “Cherokee” is a journey that involves ear training, memorization, and practical application of harmonic concepts. Enjoy the process, and use tools like movable solfège and guide tones singing to make the learning deeper and more intuitive.

Suggested Practice Routine

1. Learn the form and basic chord progression by heart.
2. Sing the melody with movable do solfège until comfortable.
3. Practice the bass line roots, then walk the bass using chord tones and guide tones.
4. Study the chord scales.
5. Transpose small phrases into different keys using the movable do system.
6. Listen and transcribe solos, especially Parker’s version, to incorporate jazz vocabulary.

By following this methodical approach, you will develop strong improvisational skills and deepen your harmonic understanding.

FAQ

Q: What is the advantage of movable do solfège in jazz?
A: It helps internalize scale degrees and harmonic functions, making ear training, transposition, and improvisation more intuitive.

Q: How do I memorize complex chord changes like in “Cherokee”?
A: Focus on the harmonic “roadmap,” especially the tonic, subdominant, dominant functions, and ii-V-I progressions, rather than individual chords.

Q: Are all versions of “Cherokee” played at fast tempos?
A: No, tempos vary. Some versions, like Charlie Parker’s, are moderate, which can make the tune more approachable.

Q: How can I practice guide tones effectively?
A: Sing and play the 3rd and 7th of each chord, focusing on a smooth voice leading between chords.

Q: Is it necessary to learn all chord scales for “Cherokee”?
A: Understanding the primary scales and how they relate to chords is crucial; mastering every mode is less important than knowing how to apply them in context.

Master “Cherokee” with patience and dedication, and let this timeless jazz standard become a cornerstone of your musical vocabulary!