Song for Chano in D

Song for Chano in D

Song for Chano in D: Ray Barretto, arr. Hector Martignon's Latin jazz classic. Dorian and Harmonic Minor scales define the exotic, modal color of these sophisticated changes. Chords: Dm7 – C – A#Maj7 – Gm7 – F – D#Maj7 – Am7b5 – A7.

Song for Chano 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 C (descending whole step), C to A# (descending whole step), A# to G (descending minor third), G to F (descending whole step), F to D# (descending whole step), D# to A (ascending tritone), A to A (ascending unison). The predominantly stepwise bass motion creates smooth, connected voice leading. 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.