"My Funny Valentine" – A Jazz Piano Study

Welcome to this in-depth lesson on the jazz standard "My Funny Valentine." In this tutorial, we explore the unique harmonic structure of the tune, focusing on its minor line cliché, rich voicings, and improvisational concepts. This lesson is perfect for beginner and intermediate jazz pianists looking to enhance their understanding of minor harmony and develop a more expressive approach to playing this beautiful ballad.

Understanding the Form of "My Funny Valentine"

Unlike many jazz standards that follow a standard 32-bar AABA form, "My Funny Valentine" has a distinctive structure. The tune can be analyzed as an AABCD form, with an extended final section adding four extra bars. This asymmetrical form requires awareness of where the music is heading, particularly in the last A section, which leads into a different harmonic resolution.

Each section introduces variations in melody and harmony, creating a bittersweet juxtaposition of major and minor tonalities. Recognizing these shifts will help with smooth transitions and enhance interpretative depth when performing the piece.

The Minor Line Cliché

A defining characteristic of "My Funny Valentine" is its minor line cliché in the first four bars. This movement consists of a descending chromatic bass line over a static C minor chord:

• C-
• C-maj7 (minor third with a major seventh)
• C-7
• C-6

This descending motion creates a melancholic, introspective quality that sets the tone for the entire piece. Mastering these voicings is essential for capturing the emotional depth of the tune.

To play these changes effectively:

• Start with a C minor triad in the right hand.
• Move the lowest note down chromatically while keeping the upper structure intact.
• Voice these changes using two-handed spread voicings to create a rich and balanced sound.

Voicing the Changes

Rather than playing root position chords, we employ various jazz voicings for smoother voice leading. For example:

A-7b5 to D7alt:

• Left hand: Root and 7th
• Right hand: Guide tones (3rd and 7th) plus alterations such as b9 or #9

G7alt leading to C-6:

• Rootless voicing: 3rd, 7th, #5, and #9
• Resolving smoothly into a warm C-6 chord

These voicings add color and tension, which is a hallmark of sophisticated jazz harmony.

Improvisation Concepts

Improvising over "My Funny Valentine" requires a strong command of minor harmony. Here are some key improvisation tools:

The Three Minor Scales

• Natural Minor (Aeolian): Works over basic minor chords
• Harmonic Minor: Introduces the raised 7th, creating tension over dominant chords
• Melodic Minor: Commonly used over minor-major chords and minor ii-V progressions

Triadic-Based Improvisation

Rather than running up and down scales, build melodic lines using triads and color tones:

• Play C- triads and add the 9th (D) for a smooth, modern sound.
• Emphasize descending thirds in the right hand to create lyrical phrases.
• Use sixth intervals for a smooth, fluid melody, rather than only playing linear scale runs.

Targeting Guide Tones

When soloing, aim for chord tones such as the 3rd and 7th:

• Over D-7b5, emphasize the F and C.
• Over G7alt, focus on the B and F.
• Resolve to E natural (the major 7th) when landing on C-maj7.

Chromatic Approaches

• Use enclosure techniques by surrounding a target note with chromatic approaches.
• Slide into guide tones from a half-step above or below to add expressiveness.

The Blues Influence

• Incorporate C minor blues scale notes, particularly over the minor ii-V (D-7b5 to G7alt).
• Blend bebop language with blues phrasing for a more authentic sound.

Practice Tips

1. Memorize the Minor Line Cliché – Play it with different voicings in both hands to solidify muscle memory.
2. Analyze the Form – Be mindful of the four-bar extension in the final A section to avoid getting lost.
3. Develop Chord Substitutions – Experiment with backdoor ii-Vs (e.g., A-7 to D7 leading to E-flat major).
4. Use Spread Voicings for Richer Sound – Instead of block chords, distribute chord tones between both hands for better balance.
5. Improvise with Color Tones – Focus on the 9th and 11th to create lush, lyrical phrases.

Final Thoughts

"My Funny Valentine" is a timeless ballad that challenges pianists with its unique harmonic movement and introspective mood. By mastering the minor line cliché, using advanced voicings, and incorporating melodic improvisation techniques, you can develop a deeply expressive rendition of this jazz classic.

For further exploration, check out our Minor Harmony and Improvisation Course, where we delve into similar concepts applied to tunes like In a Sentimental Mood. Happy practicing! 🎹