Recommended Jazz Standards
A step-by-step guide to the essential jazz repertoire, from beginner to expert
Jazz standards are pieces that have become part of the common repertoire of all jazz musicians. Knowing them is essential for playing in ensembles, at jam sessions and on recordings. This list has been compiled with a view to educational progression, not merely on the basis of a piece’s fame.
Level 1 — Beginner
Clear melodies, simple harmonies, AABA form or 12-bar blues
| Title | Shades | Shape | Why Study It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Leaves | G minor / B♭ major | AABA (32 bar) | Perfect II, V and I chords in minor and major. The first standard chords to learn. |
| Blue Bossa | C minor / D♭ major | 16 bar | Modulation into a distant key. A bossa nova feel, a memorable melody. |
| Summertime | At min | AABA (32 bar) | A beautiful melody in a minor key. Excellent for singing and phrasing. |
| C Jam Blues | C | 12-bar blues | The melody is just two notes! Perfect for improvising right from day one. |
| Fly Me to the Moon | A minor / C major | ABAC (32 bar) | Diatonic chords, a melodious melody. Perfect for understanding the form. |
Level 2 — Intermediate
More complex harmonies, substitutions, modulations and variable forms
| Title | Shades | Shape | Why Study It |
|---|---|---|---|
| There Will Never Be Another You | E♭ major | ABAC (32 bar) | Non-diatonic chords, ideal for II-V-I progressions with secondary dominants. |
| Stella By Starlight | B♭ major | 36 bar | Sophisticated harmonies, prominent m7♭5 chords. A Charlie Parker standard. |
| All The Things You Are | A♭ major | AABA (36 bar) | 4 key changes. A key piece for understanding II–V–I progressions. |
| Misty | E♭ major | AABA (32 bar) | Melody and complex chords. Excellent for modal improvisation. |
| Freddie Freeloader | B♭ | 12-bar blues | Blues with seventh chords (not triads). From the legendary *Kind of Blue*. |
Level 3 — Advanced
Highly chromatic harmonies, complex rhythms, Coltrane Changes
| Title | Shades | Shape | Why Study It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giant Steps | B major | 16 bar | Coltrane Changes: modulations in major thirds. The most studied piece in modern jazz. |
| Countdown | B♭ | 32 bar | Reharmonisation by Tune Up. Coltrane Changes on a standard form. |
| At a Moment’s Notice | E♭ | 32 bar | II-V-I at breakneck speed with rapid modulations. Advanced bebop. |
| Dolphin Dance | E♭ major | 32 bar | Complex modal harmony by Herbie Hancock. A challenge in terms of voicing and improvisation. |
| Inner Urge | B♭ major | 32 bar | Joe Henderson. An almost atonal harmony over a sustained tonic. |
How to Study a Standard
- Listen to at least 5 different versions of the song (original + covers)
- Commit the melody (the main part) to memory before thinking about improvising
- Analyses harmony: identifies II-V-I progressions, modulations and harmonic functions
- Sing the guide tones (3rd + 7th) across all the chords
- Play along with the track at a slower tempo (iReal Pro is the go-to app)
- Transcribe a chorus from a famous version — learn from the master
- Learn all 12 scales for the most important standards