Hi Bluestraveler,

What are your chords?

Whenever I've played Satin Doll, it's never left the key of C. In the key of C, my base chords are ii, V, ii, V, iii, V of ii, iii, V of ii, etc. (i.e. Dm, G, Em, A). While it's possible to think of Em, A as ii and V of the key of D, as far as I'm aware, the song itself does not change key. My ear places the A chord as a secondary dominant in the key of C. I find Satin Doll an excellent excursion into secondary dominants and chromatic chords.

Regards,
Noel

MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2025