JazzIntermediate

How to Play Autumn Leaves

Joseph Kosma (1945) · G minor · ABC (32 bars)

Autumn Leaves (Les Feuilles Mortes) is one of the most-played jazz standards in the world. Written by Joseph Kosma in 1945 with lyrics by Jacques Prévert, it became a jazz touchstone through recordings by Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Cannonball Adderley, and countless others. Few tunes teach you more about ii-V-I harmony in a single pass.

The tune sits in G minor and follows a 32-bar ABC form. What makes it so valuable as a study piece is the way both the major and relative minor ii-V-Is appear in quick succession — you'll find yourself navigating between Bb major and G minor within the same chorus. The descending diatonic sequence in the A section is instantly recognisable and great ear-training for any instrument.

This tutorial uses a backing track with a real-time scrolling chord chart — every chord lights up as it plays. Use the loop controls to isolate any section, slow the tempo down until the changes feel natural, then gradually bring it back to full speed.

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Loop a section

Pick a section chip in the player to set the loop to that part of the tune.

  1. 1Intro / Count-in 0:00–0:02The count-in before the first A section.
  2. 2A Section 0:02–0:40The main theme — a descending diatonic sequence with ii-V-Is resolving through both Bb major and G minor.
  3. 3B Section (Bridge) 0:40–0:59The bridge pivots the harmony and builds tension before the final section resolves it.
  4. 4C Section 0:59–1:18The final section returns to the home key. Tighten the loop to just these bars once you have the rest.

How to practice Autumn Leaves

  1. Start with the A section at 0.5× speed and focus on hearing the ii-V-I resolutions — both the Bb major and G minor versions appear here.
  2. Loop the B section (bridge) on its own. This is where the harmony pivots most dramatically; getting it under your ears before playing along will pay off quickly.
  3. Once each section feels comfortable, loop the full tune at 0.75× and play along with the band.
  4. For chord-instrument players: practice switching between shell voicings (3rd and 7th only) before adding extensions. The visual chord chart will show you when each change is coming.
  5. For single-note instruments: the descending A-section line is a great melodic shape to internalise — try singing it while you follow the chart, then translate it to your instrument.

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Loop any section, slow it down, build back up to full speed.

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