Propagation of musical phrases

[Pete Zicato]

In jazz it's considered acceptable and honorable to steal cool 'changes' (chord patterns). There are a number of jazz tunes based on the changes in "I've Got Rhythm". That chord pattern is known as the "rhythm changes".

That's the most popular one, but there are others. "Doxy" and "Things are Getting Better" have the same changes, for instance.

Other shorter bits like ii-V-I and I-VI-ii-V are so common that they are used as drills.

[Flint]

Originally Posted by Pete Zicato

In jazz it's considered acceptable and honorable to steal cool 'changes' (chord patterns). There are a number of jazz tunes based on the changes in "I've Got Rhythm". That chord pattern is known as the "rhythm changes".

That's the most popular one, but there are others. "Doxy" and "Things are Getting Better" have the same changes, for instance.

Other shorter bits like ii-V-I and I-VI-ii-V are so common that they are used as drills.

And then you have Blues. Because the changes are so well understood by everyone... anyone can sit right in and know exactly what is going on. And, you have the opportunity to express yourself in the "little things" you do. We literally used to hire bass players to play gigs, and have them show up at the venue, and the guitar player just leans over before song and tells the guy what key this one is in.