How to Play Cherokee by Ray Noble
Cherokee (1938) is a advanced-level jazz song that uses 5 chords: Bb, Dm7, G7, Cm7, F7 in the key of Bb. The chord progression is I–iii7–VI7–ii7–V7.
Chord Breakdown
- Bb — major chord, bright and stable
- Dm7 — dominant 7th, adds tension and movement
- G7 — dominant 7th, adds tension and movement
- Cm7 — dominant 7th, adds tension and movement
- F7 — dominant 7th, adds tension and movement
About Cherokee
"Cherokee" by Ray Noble (released 1938) is one of the most recognizable jazz songs ever recorded. Its 5-chord structure demonstrates how a simple progression can create an emotionally powerful and memorable piece of music. The combination of Bb, Dm7, G7 creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.
Learning Cherokee as a Beginner
If you're learning to play Cherokee, start by getting comfortable with each chord individually before trying to switch between them. The goal is to make each chord change automatic — your fingers should know where to go without you having to think about it. Practice the chord loop slowly with a metronome, and you'll be playing the full song within a few weeks.