My Funny Valentine Tutorial Part 1
My Funny Valentine is one of the classic jazz standards! A difficult tune to learn, in this lesson we breakdown the complicated chord changes and build a solo arrangement. Written in the key of C minor, the tune follows a 36 measure A, A, B, A form. Although the tune starts in C Minor, it shifts to the relative major, Eb, during the bridge.
To play this tune effectively, you should have a good understanding of the minor line cliche which is one of the most common chord progressions in jazz music. This four chord progression appears 3 times in the form and so understanding the root movement will give you a variety of voicing options. The minor line cliche has become synonymous with this tune and is sometimes referred to as the ‘My Funny Valentine Progression’.
We start this lesson slightly differently by analysing Herbie Hancock’s intro on the Miles Davis Sextet version of My Funny Valentine. Worth listening to if you haven’t already!
Here is a bonus video which breaks down the improvised runs from the My Funny Valentine arrangement video.
Practice Tips
My Funny Valentine is a widely recorded jazz standard so there are lots of records to draw inspiration from. Check out the recordings below which are some of PianoGroove's favourites.
If you have a favourite recording of this tune, be sure to share it in the comments section below.
