Song analysis of Miles Davis So What

Miles Davis So What Song Analysis

Chords

The chords used in Miles Davis So What, play in D dorian mode for eight bars then switching to e dorian then returns to D dorian after 4 bars. This sequence is repeated throughout the song. The song plays at a slow calming tempo, this is done because the music uses phrases such as as the antecedent phrase and the consequent phrase which makes the instruments sound as if there is a conversation taking place. From the score below we can see what chords are played in the song.

Melody

The melody is mainly played by the horns in the song however the piano also sometimes takes over on the 32nd bar. I think this is done due to the lack of vocals so the song has very powerful horns to control the song.

Tempo/Rhythm

The tempo of the song is very smooth, slow and relaxed, it has a slight rise and release feel to it as theres a short build up then the horns and repeats the phrase. This changes when the horns have their solo and whilst the hi-hats are continuous and the walking bass is the same. The chords play on top of the horns yet quieter since the horns are in control. Since the bass in the song is a walking type which means it's mainly going up and down the scale the rhythm doesn't change too much but each horn solo it changes for around 8 bars then continues to walk.

Mix

The horns are the loudest in the mix as that's where the melody and the influential feel of jazz comes from. Throughout the horn solo you can hear the chords, bass and hi-hats, the second thing you notice is most likely the chords as they aren't as consistent as the bass and hi-hats. Also the piano is most likely the second loudest in the mix since the song was created to make it as if the piano and horns we're having a conversation.  

Instrumentation

In the track the instruments used are a type of horn instrument most likely the saxophone, a piano which plays the chords, a bass guitar and a drum kit which the hi-hats is the most used part. The horns play the melody and an influential type which is done so we remember the horns as the main piece. the bass guitar plays the rhythm along side the drums as there is almost never a time where they aren't playing in the song.

Structure

Miles Davis' introduction was unique to the whole song, it was a slow build up with the keyboard, that eventually led to the bass guitar and horns taking over the song.

Lyrics

There are no lyrics in the song. Miles Davis keeps listeners interested for his renown antecedent and consequent phrases, this is effective because it allows the instruments to sound like they are having a conversation.