By Bronislaw Kaper

On Green Dolphin Street

On Green Dolphin Street was written by Bronislaw Kaper for the film Green Dolphin Street with lyrics by Ned Washington. It moves between a pedal point feel for the first section and a walking bass line for the second. This contrast makes it an interesting tune to play over for both beginners and more advanced improvisers.

By Bronislaw Kaper

On Green Dolphin Street

On Green Dolphin Street
was written by Bronislaw Kaper for the film Green Dolphin Street with lyrics by Ned Washington. It moves between a pedal point feel for the first section and a walking bass line for the second. This contrast makes it an interesting tune to play over for both beginners and more advanced improvisers.

Chord Charts: On Green Dolphin Street

Chord Charts

Learn the chord changes to

On Green Dolphin Street

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

Form: ABAC
Total Bars: 32 bars
Common Key(s): Eb and C major
How to Play This Tune

Step 1: Understand the Major to Parallel Minor

A defining sound in On Green Dolphin Street is the movement from major to parallel minor. Hearing this relationship clearly gives shape to the opening section and helps you connect the harmony instead of treating it as isolated chords. Studying how players like John Coltrane and Dick Oatts navigate this shift shows how to move between these sounds with clear melodic direction.

PRO Mastering Essential Chord Progressions: Major to Parallel Minor Mastering Essential Chord Progressions: Major to Parallel Minor

Step 2: Master the ii V I Progression

The B section is built on ii–V–I progressions in two key areas, so it’s essential to hear and connect these resolutions. By focusing on voice leading—especially how the 7th resolves to the 3rd—you can link these progressions into a single, continuous idea instead of separate harmonic events.

PRO How To Master The ii-V-I Progression: 25 Essential Lines You Need To Know How To Master The ii-V-I Progression: 25 Essential Lines You Need To Know

Step 3: Review Functional Harmony

The last 8 bars move through several minor chords, and to navigate this section clearly, you need a deep understanding of functional harmony. Each of these chords acts like a temporary key center, and the tune quickly shifts between them. Hearing where each chord comes from and how these brief tonal centers connect is essential to making sense of the progression.

FREE Chord Function: Music Theory Fundamentals You Need To Know Chord Function: Music Theory Fundamentals You Need To Know

Videos

Videos: On Green Dolphin Street

How to Play On Green Dolphin Street

Step 1: Understand the Major to Parallel Minor

A defining sound in On Green Dolphin Street is the movement from major to parallel minor. Hearing this relationship clearly gives shape to the opening section and helps you connect the harmony instead of treating it as isolated chords. Studying how players like John Coltrane and Dick Oatts navigate this shift shows how to move between these sounds with clear melodic direction.

PRO Mastering Essential Chord Progressions: Major to Parallel Minor Mastering Essential Chord Progressions: Major to Parallel Minor

Step 2: Master the ii V I Progression

The B section is built on ii–V–I progressions in two key areas, so it’s essential to hear and connect these resolutions. By focusing on voice leading—especially how the 7th resolves to the 3rd—you can link these progressions into a single, continuous idea instead of separate harmonic events.

PRO How To Master The ii-V-I Progression: 25 Essential Lines You Need To Know How To Master The ii-V-I Progression: 25 Essential Lines You Need To Know

Step 3: Review Functional Harmony

The last 8 bars move through several minor chords, and to navigate this section clearly, you need a deep understanding of functional harmony. Each of these chords acts like a temporary key center, and the tune quickly shifts between them. Hearing where each chord comes from and how these brief tonal centers connect is essential to making sense of the progression.

FREE Chord Function: Music Theory Fundamentals You Need To Know Chord Function: Music Theory Fundamentals You Need To Know

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