Blue Monk Chord Chart
Here you will find the chords and matching backing track for Blue Monk, which is a 12 bar Bb blues written by the great Thelonious Monk. Published in 1954, this tune was one of Monk’s favorites, and is also a favorite at jam sessions.
In the original version, Monk used a Bb triad (rather than a dominant chord) in the first, third, and fourth measures. It is common practice to play the Bb as a dominant chord, and the charts on this website reflect that.
On measure 9 and 10, Monk simply uses an F7 chord, which is the dominant. Some people will substitute Cm7 in measure 9 to create a ii V7, but the original stayed stagnant in measures 9 and 10.
Want to learn how to play a walking bass line over Blue Monk? Check out this other post with the bass line which can be used for beginning jazz bassists or in a duo setting.
Click the button below to download the chord chart for Blue Monk for C Instruments, Bb instruments, Eb Instruments, and F Horn. Below you will also find a backing track and playlist. Scroll down to view the chord charts on the website.
