By Charlie Parker
Ornithology
Ornithology
is a popular bebop tune written by Charlie Parker. First recorded in 1946, the tune is based on the chord progression of "How High the Moon" and features an intricate melody, making it a staple in the bebop repertoire. The title, Ornithology, is a nod to Charlie Parker's iconic nickname "Bird."
Chord Charts: Ornithology
Chord Charts
Learn the chord changes to
Ornithology
using common lead sheets for C, Bb, and Eb instruments.
There are two recorded versions that differ in the final four bars - one featuring a repeated motif, and the more common using a tritone substitution over the final turnaround.
Form: ABAC
Total Bars: 32
Common Key(s): G
C chart
Bb chart
Eb chart
Jazzadvice Lessons
Here are a few of our lessons that will be helpful when learning
Ornithology
. Take the time to study these in-depth resources:
Mastering IV to I Movement: 8 Secrets from Sonny Clark
When you’re starting out, it can seem like the secret to improvising boils down to what you play on each chord. It’s all about the notes, the scale options, and the licks you’ve figured out… In This Lesson 1. Introduction 2. Harmony: The IV to I Pathway 3. Chord Variations: IV Moving to I 4. ...
A Night in Tunisia: Navigating the Interlude & Solo Break
The interlude and solo break of A Night in Tunisia is a scary moment. The build up. The intensity. All eyes are on you. The band drops out, and somehow you have to play something convincing while keeping the time. In This Lesson 1. Introduction 2. A Night in Tunisia: The Interlude Chords 3. The ...
5 Next-Level Jazz Contrafacts You Should Know
Taking something old and making it new is an integral part this music. And when it comes to the standard repertoire, this idea pops up in the form of contrafacts: new melodies written over existing song forms and chord progressions. In This Lesson 1. Introduction 2. Why is Melody Important? 3. Five Jazz Contrafacts to ...
Tom Harrell Plays There Will Never Be Another You
One of the best ways to learn a standard and find answers when you’re completely stuck is simple: check out the masters playing the same tunes you’re working on. In This Lesson 1. Introduction 2. There Will Never Be Another You 3. Unlocking the Harmony 4. Tom Harrell’s Solo 5. Three Improvisation Tactics 6. Leaving ...
10 Tritone Substitution Tactics from Kenny Dorham
Tritone Substitution is one of those terms you often hear tossed around in music theory classes. A definition to memorize, but not something that actually makes it into your playing… In This Lesson 1. Introduction 2. Tritone Substitution: The Theory 3. The Tritone Sub Cheat Sheet 4. Tritone Substitution Tactics 5. Old Folks 6. Mack ...
The Transcription Step Most Jazz Players Skip
There’s a common saying that any great improvisation boils down to one thing: “playing what you hear”. And over the years, I’ve found this to be true… In This Lesson 1. Introduction 2. Horace Silver, Opus De Funk 3. Finding Musical Clues 4. Figuring Out the Chords & Progression 5. Solo Techniques: 3 Phrases 6. Horace ...
10 Levels of Playing the Bridge to Rhythm Changes
From the moment George Gershwin’s composition I Got Rhythm entered the jazz repertoire, it quickly became one of the most played, and most important, song forms in this music… In This Lesson 1. Introduction 2. Solos on the Bridge to Rhythm Changes 3. Louis Armstrong, I Got Rhythm 4. Lester Young, Lester Leaps In 5. ...
4 Legendary Bye Bye Blackbird Solos (And What to Steal From Each)
Bye Bye Blackbird is a tune that looks simple on paper, yet one that can become surprisingly challenging the moment you begin to solo. And in Part II of our deep-dive into this standard, we’ll unlock a few key tools that’ll help you improvise with musical confidence… In This Lesson 1. Introduction 2. Bye Bye ...
How Bye Bye Blackbird Really Works (Form, Variations, and Solo Concepts)
Of all the standards in the jazz repertoire, there are certain tunes that seem to play themselves. Songs where you can simply outline a few chord tones, follow the changes, and your solo starts to fall into place… In This Lesson 1. Introduction 2. The Tune: Bye Bye Blackbird 3. Solo Excerpts on Bye Bye ...
Chick Corea: 7 Essential Dominant Chord Techniques
Chick Corea is one of the true giants of this music. A name that’s synonymous with dizzying technique, stunning harmonies, and an unmistakeable creativity that is apparent on every one of his records… In This Lesson 1. Introduction 2. Chick Corea’s Samba Yantra 3. Chick Corea: 7 Dominant Tactics 4. The Power of Larger Intervals ...
