Who composed Don't Explain?

Don't Explain was composed by Billie Holiday. It is a ballad standard in 4/4 time. The original key is F; this page shows it transposed to D.

What key is Don't Explain in?

The original key of Don't Explain is F. The form is AABA with 32 bars. This page shows the chart transposed to D.

What scales work for improvising over Don't Explain?

Recommended scales for Don't Explain in D: bebop, bebop major. Scales and arpeggios update in real-time as each chord plays, with context-aware analysis (e.g., Phrygian Dominant over secondary dominants).

How does the interactive backing track work?

The backing track plays with realistic walking bass, drum patterns, and voice-led chord voicings. Scales and arpeggios update in real-time as each chord plays. You can limit the fretboard zone for close-proximity voicings, toggle a reference melody, loop any section, and choose between multiple sound presets. Works for guitar, piano, bass, ukulele, and 7 more instruments.

Can I edit the chord chart?

Yes. You can modify the structure, chords, and arrangement of any standard to match your preferred version or create your own reharmonization.

Don't Explain in D

Billie Holiday()balladSlowly

Do Re MiC D E

BPM: 120

Chord Diagrams — Don't Explain in D (Guitar)

Display

FingerNoteDegree

Chord Voicings Closest Voicing

Bm/c

Em6/G

F♯7

C♯7/b

G7♭5

F♯9

B9♯5

B7♯5♭9

Gm6/A♯

Don't Explain in D

D major is one of guitar's most resonant keys. The open D string acts as a droning root, and the open A string provides the fifth. This gives D-based strumming a wide, ringing quality that flatpicks and fingerpicks love. D is a beginner-level key on guitar because the open D and A strings provide a powerful bass foundation, and the open high E is the 2nd scale degree adding brightness. Beginners will find this key approachable since most chords use open voicings with minimal stretching.

Voice Leading

The bass line moves through B to B (ascending unison), B to E (ascending perfect fourth), E to F# (ascending whole step), F# to C# (descending perfect fourth), C# to G (ascending tritone), G to F# (descending half step), F# to C (ascending tritone), C to B (descending half step), B to B (ascending unison), B to A# (descending half step), A# to A (descending half step), A to D (ascending perfect fourth), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to F# (descending half step), F# to G (ascending half step), G to A (ascending whole step), A to G (descending whole step), G to B (ascending major third), B to E (ascending perfect fourth), E to A (ascending perfect fourth), A to C# (ascending major third). A half-step bass movement creates a strong leading-tone pull that demands resolution. The predominantly stepwise bass motion creates smooth, connected voice leading. When the progression loops, the bass returns from C# to B by whole step.

Scales for Improvisation

D major pentatonic works because every note is either a chord tone or a safe passing tone — there are no avoid notes. For soloing, this means you can play freely without clashing. Over dominant seventh chords, D Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.

ballad4/4 · 32 bars · Form: AABA

Chords: Bm, Bm/c, Em6/G, F♯7, C♯7/b, G7♭5, F♯9, C9, B9♯5, B7♯5♭9, A♯9, A9, DMaj7, GMaj7, F♯m7, Gm6/A♯, A7♭9, G7, Bm7, Em7, A7, C♯m7♭5.

Scales for Improvisation D bebop, D bebop major.

Diatonic chords: See all chords in the key of D