Learning Ukulele with Curt
Basics the Beyond with Curt Sheller Your "TMI", "Total Music Information" Site…
Learning Ukulele with Curt
Ain't Misbehavin'
Harmonic Analysis Worksheet

Category: Harmonic-Analysis Instrument: Any Subjects(s): Theory • Progressions • Harmony • Analysis

Ain't Misbehavin'

Harmonic Analysis (RMA) Worksheet for the 1929 Fats Waller classic: Ain't Misbehavin.

Ain't Misbehavin'

Released: 1929

Ain't Misbehavin' is a 1929 stride jazz/early swing song. Andy Razaf wrote the lyrics to a score by Thomas "Fats" Waller and Harry Brooks for the Broadway musical comedy play Connie's Hot Chocolates. (wikiwand);

The song was first performed at the premiere of Connie's Hot Chocolates in Harlem at Connie's Inn as an opening song by Paul Bass and Margaret Simms, and repeated later in the musical by Russell Wooding's Hallelujah Singers. Connie's Hot Chocolates was transferred to the Hudson Theatre on Broadway during June 1929, where it was renamed to Hot Chocolates and where Louis Armstrong became the orchestra director.

Ain't Misbehavin' is in the The Daily Ukulele 365 Songs for Better Living book.

Strum a different song every day with easy arrangements of 365 of your favorite songs in one big songbook! The Daily Ukulele features ukulele arrangements with melody, lyrics and uke chord grids and are in ukulele-friendly keys that are particularly suited for groups of one to one hundred to play and sing.
Ain't Misbehavin' Ukulele Chords
Dm G7 C F Fm Am E7 A7 D7

Theses and many other chords are covered in the Learn A Chord A Day series of lessons.

C Tuning Chords

Starting Melody Note and 1st Interval
  • Start on Root ↑ M2.
  • INTERVALS: Root=note that begins a scale of the starting key; C is C, D is D, Am is a, Em is E, etc... m=minor; M=Major; P=Perfect; D=Diminished; A=Augmented. • is up/ascending; is down/descending;

    Harmonic Analysis (HA) Worksheet

    Visit the Harmonic Analysis for Scale and Chord Selection series of lessons for information on creating a your own Harmonic Analysis Worksheet

    Checkout my, Curt's re-harmonization below . In most cases the RMA/HA is the same.

    C

    Dm

    G7

    C

    C7

    F

    Fm

    I

    II

    V

    I

    I7
    ( V of IV)

    IV

    IVm

    C Mixolydian

    F Dorian

    1.

    C

    Am

    Dm

    G7

    E7

    A7

    D7

    G7

    I

    VI

    II

    V

    III7
    ( V of VI)

    I7
    ( V of IV)

    II7
    ( V of V)

    V7

    E Mix+4

    A Mix+4

    D Mix+4

    G Mix

    2.

    C

    Fm

    C

    E7

    I

    IVm

    I

    III7/V of VI

    F Dor

    E Mix-2-6

    Am

    F

    Am

    F7

    VI/I

    II

    I

    IV

    The E7 (V of VI) Secondary Dominant chord is used to setup the Internal Modulation to the relative minor key of C, Am.

    D.C. al Fine

    G

    Am

    D7

    G7

    A7

    D7

    G7

    I

    II

    V/V of V

    I/V

    VI7 (V of II)

    II7 (v of V)

    V

    The G Am D7 G7 could fit the definition of an Internal Modulation, as it is three chords and feels like it truly do modulation to. Doesn't stay long and the resolution is not G but a G7 the V of the home and original key. A P4 Cycle of three seventh chords leading right back to C, the home key.

    Modern Jazz Version

    Curt's Re-harmonized Jazzier version of Ain't Misbehavin` using more modern 4-part Jazz chords suitable for uke groups and jams.

    C6/9

    C♯°7

    Dm7

    G13

    Cmaj7

    C9/Bb

    Fmaj9/A

    Fm6/A♭

    I

    I♯°7

    II

    V

    I

    I7
    ( V of IV)

    IV

    IVm

    C Mixolydian

    F Dorian

    1.

    C6

    A7♭9

    Dm7

    B7♭9

    E7

    A7♭9

    D7

    G7♯5

    I

    VI7
    ( V of II)

    II

    VII7
    ( V of III)

    III7
    ( V of VI)

    VI7
    ( V of II)

    II7
    ( V of V)

    V7

    A Mix-2-6

    B Mix+4

    E Mix+4

    A Mix+4

    D Mix+4

    G Mix

    2.

    Dm7

    D♭7

    C6

    Fm6

    C6

    E7♭9

    II

    ♭II7
    (tritone sub)

    I

    IVm6

    I

    III7
    ( V of VI)

    Db Mix+4

    F Dor

    E Mix-2-6

    3 Fine or add Ending.

    C6

    C

    I

    Am

    Am♯5

    Am6

    A7

    I

    I

    I

    I7

    A Mix

    The E7 of the 2nd ending, a (V of VI) Secondary Dominant chord is used to setup the Internal Modulation to the relative minor key of C, Am.

    D.C. al Fine

    G6 (Em7)

    E7♭9

    Am7

    D7

    G7

    A7

    D7

    G7♭9

    I

    VI7
    ( V of II)

    II

    II7
    ( V of V)

    I/V

    VI7
    ( V of II)

    II7
    ( V of V)

    V

    E Mix-2-6

    D Mix+4

    A Mix+4

    D Mix

    The G Am D7 G7 could fit the definition of an Internal Modulation, as it is three chords and feels like it truly do modulation to. Doesn't stay long and the resolution is not G but a G7 the V of the home and original key. A P4 Cycle of three seventh chords leading right back to C, the home key.

    Ralph Patt Vanilla Book

    Checkout the Ralph Patt Vanilla Book Vanilla changes for Ain't Misbehavin' • The Vanilla Book uncovers the basic ("Vanilla") chord changes to over 400 of the most commonly played jazz standards to help the jazz player learn the basic changes and allow the player to add embellishments and substitutions on a solid framework.

    Embellishments to basic chords such as added 6ths, 9ths, 13ths, flat 5ths etc. are usually determined by the melody notes and the style of music being played.

                Key of Eb   4/4
    
                [:  Eb   Edim   |  Fm7  F#dim  |  Eb   G7   |  Ab   Abm   |
                                               1._________________________
                |   Eb   C7     |  Fm7   Bb7   |  G7   C7   |  F7   Bb7  :]
                2._____________________________
                |   Eb    Abm   |  Eb    G7    |   Cm       |   Ab7       |
    
                |   F7          |  C7          | Bb         |  F7         |
    
                |   Bb7   C7    |  F7   Bb7   ||  Eb  Edim  | Fm7  F#dim  |
    
                |   Eb    G7    |  Ab   Abm    |  Eb   C7   |  Fm7   Bb7  |
    
                |   Eb          |  Eb          |
            
    Harmonic Analysis (HA)

    A Harmonic Analysis (RMA/HA) and its worksheet are intended to show the function of the chords, the harmonic principles used, the keys and tonalities the song explores. And, can be used for scale selections and chord and scale substitutions.

    < NOTE: A Harmonic Analysis Worksheet is NOT intended to be a lead leadsheet. Minimal roadmap information such as repeats, fines, D.S., D.C., and codas has been used in preparing the worksheets to somewhat mirror the leadsheet in the Daily Ukulele book.

    Sections, Verse, Chorus, 1st, 2nd Ending, turnbacks …

    The worksheets will show 1st, 2nd Ending, turnbacks, etc. as in indicated the Yellow Book. You should start to recognize that 1st endings typically always return to a previous verse or an section. With a 2nd ending, a transition to a different part of the song, a or chorus. Harmonic Principles are used for these repeats and transitions.

    If turnback chords are not indicated for the these 1st and 2nd endings in the original Yellow Book leadsheet recommended chord(s) will indicated in parentheses or as an alternate harmony in Red . Typically the last measures or turnbacks will be a chord that resolves to and harmonically leads you to the next section or turning you back to the same section. Typically a V or direct substitution of that next chord.

    Reference Key

    This is the key of the source leadsheet.

    Harmonic Principles Used:

    These are the harmonic principles used in Ain't Misbehavin'.

    Nashville Number System (NNS)

    Nashville Numbering System always uses four bars/measures per line, no bar lines, and default is each number of the number of beats per bar/measure based on the time signature. If multiple chords in same bar then they are underlined. It can be as simple as convert the Roman Numerals above to Arabic number.

    At its simplest you simply replace the roman numbers with aberic numbers. e.g., I becomes 1 , II becomes 2 , etc. The only exception is the bVII7 chord becomes 7 as this borrowed chord from the Mixolydian tonality is so common and the VII (half-diminished seventh) in a major chord is so rare (actually never).

    Check the definitive book Nashville Number System

    Scale Selection

    Once a Harmonic Analysis has been completed then scale selections can be made. These scale selections can be either vertical and horizontal choices. And, really only needed if you are going to take a solo or embellish the melody with added notes.

    Scale Abbreviation Legend

    Traditional Scales: Maj: Major (Ionian), Dim: Diminished, WT: Whole Tone, Har Min: Harmonic Minor,
    Contemporary Scales: Minor Pent: Minor Pentatonic, Pent: Major Pentatonic, Blues,
    Scale/Mode Names: Ion: Ionian (Major), Dor: Dorian (Minor), Phrygian: Phrygian, Lyd: Lydian, Mix: Mixolydian (Dominant), Aeol: Aeolian (Natural Minor), Loc: Locrian

    Checkout LESSONSeries : Harmonic Analysis for Scale and Chord Selection or download the Harmonic Analysis for Scale and Chord Selection book. And the QuickStart Series of Scale and Arpeggio books.

    RMA book cover QS1UKES book cover
    Performance Notes
    Any performance notes will show here.
    Links & Resources

    Sign-IN — it's FREE — to view, un-blur any additional content for this lesson.

    End of Lesson - Thanks, Hope You Enjoyed It!

    Related Lessons, Videos, Lesson Series, Songs, Books & Reference Charts, Resources & Assets, Workshops are below.

    Related Lessons
    Related Lessons for Ain't Misbehavin'.
    ULHA-YB-index
    The Daily Ukulele a.k.a., The "Yellow" Book Song Index

    Index of the songs in The Daily Ukulele book. 365 Songs for a Better Living.

    Related Lesson Series
    Related Lessons Series for Ain't Misbehavin'.
    Harmonic Analysis for Scale and Chord Selection

    Harmonic Analysis (HA), also known as the study of chord relationships, is the method used to identify the harmonic role of chords within a chord progression or song. A chord progression refers to a sequence of chords, with each chord having a root note and belonging to a specific chord type. The function of a chord within a particular scale's tonality is determined by its relationship to that scale.

    Related Songs
    Related Songs for Ain't Misbehavin'.
    UL1104
    Ain't Misbehavin

    "Ain't Misbehavin'" is a 1929 stride jazz/early swing song. Andy Razaf wrote the lyrics to a score by Thomas "Fats" Waller and Harry Brooks for the Broadway musical comedy play Connie's Hot Chocolates.

    Related Books & Charts
    Related Books for Ain't Misbehavin'.
    RMA1
    Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution

    Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution.

    HL00240356
    The Daily Ukulele

    Strum a different song every day with easy arrangements of 365 of your favorite songs in one big songbook! The Daily Ukulele features ukulele arrangements with melody, lyrics and uke chord grids and are in ukulele-friendly keys that are particularly suited for groups of one to one hundred to play and sing.

    A Selection of Books & Reference Charts that are recommended for creating a solid foundation with your chosen instrument and music in general.
    These are books & reference charts that apply to a majority of all lessons on LearningUkulele.com / Learning Ukulele with Curt.
    Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard – C Tuning

    Finally, learn the names of the notes of the fingerboard.

    Six Secrets of the Ukulele Fingerboard – C Tuning

    Learn the six fingering principles to navigating the ukulele fingerboard. Fingering is one of the most universal topics.

    Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution

    Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition.

    Ukulele – Reading Music Series – Primer

    Learn to read single note melodies in the first/open position is a lot easier than you might think.

    Daily Practice Material for the Contemporary Ukulele

    An organized collection of daily practice and reference material for the contemporary ukulele player for developing the vocabulary and knowledge necessary for single note playing.

    Checkout the Books for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.

    Reference Charts

    Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G - G C E A

    Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G – G C E A

    Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

    Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

    Circle of Fourths and Fifths – ANSI A & A4 sizes

    A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatures. US Letter 8.5 x 11 sized (ANSI-A), A4

    Checkout the Books for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.

    🚀 🚧 End of Site Content 🚧 🌍
    NOTE: PICS ARE FROM VARIOUS SOURCES. FAIR USE NOTICE:: This site contains images of which have not been pre-authorized. This material is made available for the purpose of analysis, teaching, comment and critique. The 'fair use' of such material is provided for under U.S. Copyright Law. In accordance with U.S. Code Title 17, Section 107, material on this site (along with credit and attributions to original sources) is viewable for educational and intellectual purposes - (frwebgate.access.gpo.gov). If you are interested in using any copyrighted material from this site for any reason that goes beyond 'fair use,' you must first obtain permission from the copyright owner.
    On the web since 1992 and a Mac since 1987 (Mac II) • Serving up Ukulele content since 2003 ( 22 years ago ) • Lets Kanikapila!!! v12.13.0 (8.2.23) • And, since Sept 2020, happily on Pop!_OS Linux and a System76 Thelio. Half the cost of the iMac and a real treat to use. I use it for ALL development work. Only wish the Affinity Suite of apps by serif where available on Linux (and I do know you can run them in Wine with a few hacks).
    This sit has ben profesionaly red. awl tpyos aree free and no aditonal chrge • I'm blaming it on “jazz” fingers. “Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.
    Site developed, coded, and maintained by Curt Sheller, Curt Sheller Publications and hosted on DigitalOcean, eCommerce using stripe, managed using Laravel Forge, and analytics (which we DO NOT share) by Plausible.
    Made with by Curt Sheller for LearningUkulele.com / Learning Ukulele with Curt and the ukulele community • © 1992 - 2026 Curt Sheller