Recorda Me (Recordame) in D

Recorda Me (Recordame) in D

Recorda Me (Recordame) in D: Joe Henderson's Afro-Cuban jazz classic. Dorian and Harmonic Minor scales define the exotic, modal color of these sophisticated changes. Chords: Dm7 – Fm7 – A#m7 – D#7 – G#maj7 – Em7 – A7.

Recorda Me (Recordame) 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 D to F (ascending minor third), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to G# (ascending perfect fourth), G# to E (descending major third), E to A (ascending perfect fourth). The root motion by larger intervals (fourths and fifths) gives each chord change a strong, decisive character. When the progression loops, the bass returns from A to D by perfect fourth.

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.