By Sonny Rollins

Doxy

Doxy by Sonny Rollins was first recorded in 1954 with Miles Davis. Built on a 16-bar form adapted from the song “Ja-Da,” the tune's simple structure and blues-based feel makes it an accessible entry point for improvisers, while still offering plenty of room to develop more complex ideas. Although typically thought of as easy, Doxy contains a handful of tricky points to deal with.

By Sonny Rollins

Doxy

Doxy
by Sonny Rollins was first recorded in 1954 with Miles Davis. Built on a 16-bar form adapted from the song “Ja-Da,” the tune's simple structure and blues-based feel makes it an accessible entry point for improvisers, while still offering plenty of room to develop more complex ideas. Although typically thought of as easy, Doxy contains a handful of tricky points to deal with.

Chord Charts: Doxy

Chord Charts

Learn the chord changes to

Doxy

using common lead sheets for C, Bb, and Eb instruments.

Form: AABA
Total Bars: 32 bars
Common Key(s): Bb
How to Play This Tune

Step 1: Conceptualize the chord changes to Doxy by studying Miles Davis

Start by learning how the tune actually sounds, not just what the chart says. Doxy can look more complicated on paper than it really is, which is why the recording matters so much. By listening closely to the melody, bass movement, and comping, the harmony starts to feel simpler and more logical, giving you a clearer foundation than relying on chord symbols alone.

FREE Learn Doxy From Miles Davis: How Charts Mislead You Learn Doxy From Miles Davis: How Charts Mislead You

Step 2: Understand the II7 (The V7 of V7) relationship in Doxy

Next, focus on the II7 chord and how it functions. Instead of expecting a ii minor chord, learn to hear it as a dominant that pushes the harmony forward. Once you recognize this V7 of V7 dominant relationship, the tune will feel a lot more approachable.

PRO 4 Sonny Rollins Tools to Tackle The V7 of V7 Chord Progression 4 Sonny Rollins Tools to Tackle The V7 of V7 Chord Progression

Step 3: Master the I to IV movement in Doxy

Finally, get clear on the I to IV movement that shapes much of the tune’s sound. This relationship gives Doxy its bluesy character, and hearing how it drives the form will help you shape phrases that follow the motion of the tune.

FREE Mastering Essential Chord Progressions: The I to IV Relationship Mastering Essential Chord Progressions: The I to IV Relationship

Videos

Videos: Doxy

How to Play Doxy

Step 1: Conceptualize the chord changes to Doxy by studying Miles Davis

Start by learning how the tune actually sounds, not just what the chart says. Doxy can look more complicated on paper than it really is, which is why the recording matters so much. By listening closely to the melody, bass movement, and comping, the harmony starts to feel simpler and more logical, giving you a clearer foundation than relying on chord symbols alone.

FREE Learn Doxy From Miles Davis: How Charts Mislead You Learn Doxy From Miles Davis: How Charts Mislead You

Step 2: Understand the II7 (The V7 of V7) relationship in Doxy

Next, focus on the II7 chord and how it functions. Instead of expecting a ii minor chord, learn to hear it as a dominant that pushes the harmony forward. Once you recognize this V7 of V7 dominant relationship, the tune will feel a lot more approachable.

PRO 4 Sonny Rollins Tools to Tackle The V7 of V7 Chord Progression 4 Sonny Rollins Tools to Tackle The V7 of V7 Chord Progression

Step 3: Master the I to IV movement in Doxy

Finally, get clear on the I to IV movement that shapes much of the tune’s sound. This relationship gives Doxy its bluesy character, and hearing how it drives the form will help you shape phrases that follow the motion of the tune.

FREE Mastering Essential Chord Progressions: The I to IV Relationship Mastering Essential Chord Progressions: The I to IV Relationship

Ready to Take Your Playing Further?

Forrest Wernick
Eric O'Donnell

We’re Forrest & Eric. We’ve learned from a ton of great players like Mulgrew Miller, Rich Perry, and Harold Mabern, and now we focus on helping musicians deeply understand jazz, one tune, concept, and skill at a time.

Download Our New 70-Page Jazz Book (Free)

Enter your email below and we’ll send you our book, The Making of a Jazz Musician — a guide to the realizations that reshape how jazz musicians learn to hear and play.

Develop Your Jazz Improvisation
The PRO
Way

PRO gives you access to our jazz courses and most detailed lessons, including deep dives into tunes, harmony, and improvisation.