My Funny Valentine — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

My Funny Valentine uses the chords Cm, Ab, Fm, G7 in the key of Cm. The progression follows a i–VI–iv–V7 pattern. This is a intermediate-level song.

Jazz · 1937 · Intermediate

My Funny Valentine

by Richard Rodgers
Key of Cm 120 BPM Intermediate

Chord Sheet

Key of Cm · Progression: i–VI–iv–V7

Cm
chord 1
Ab
chord 2
Fm
chord 3
G7
chord 4
Chord Loop
Cm — Ab — Fm — G7 — ...
Roman Numeral Analysis
View the harmonic structure and functional analysis of this progression.
View Analysis →
Key
Cm
Tempo
120 BPM
Chords
4
Genre
Jazz

Practice Tips for My Funny Valentine

  • →Start at 60 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the Cm→Ab transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 120 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play My Funny Valentine by Richard Rodgers

My Funny Valentine (1937) is a intermediate-level jazz song that uses 4 chords: Cm, Ab, Fm, G7 in the key of Cm. The chord progression is i–VI–iv–V7.

Chord Breakdown

  • Cm — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • Ab — major chord, bright and stable
  • Fm — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • G7 — dominant 7th, adds tension and movement

About My Funny Valentine

"My Funny Valentine" by Richard Rodgers (released 1937) is one of the most recognizable jazz songs ever recorded. Its 4-chord structure demonstrates how a simple progression can create an emotionally powerful and memorable piece of music. The combination of Cm, Ab, Fm creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning My Funny Valentine as a Beginner

If you're learning to play My Funny Valentine, 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.

Similar Songs (Same Key or Chords)

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Clocks
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Fix You
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Eb – Bb – Cm – Ab
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Metronome
Practice at 120 BPM
Tuner
Tune your instrument
Piano
Play on virtual piano
Guitar
Play on fretboard

Knowledge Base & FAQs

My Funny Valentine by Richard Rodgers — FAQ

Everything you need to know about our browser-based Web Audio engine, instruments, and music theory workspace.

What chords are in My Funny Valentine by Richard Rodgers?

My Funny Valentine uses the chords Cm, Ab, Fm, G7 in the key of Cm.

The progression follows a i–VI–iv–V7 pattern. This is a intermediate-level song.

What key is My Funny Valentine in?

My Funny Valentine by Richard Rodgers is in the key of Cm.

The primary chords are Cm, Ab, Fm.

What is the tempo of My Funny Valentine?

My Funny Valentine is played at approximately 120 BPM.

This is a faster tempo — practice slowly first before bringing it to full speed. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 120 BPM.

What strumming pattern does My Funny Valentine use?

My Funny Valentine is typically in 4/4 time.

A common strumming pattern is down-down-up-up-down-up (DDUUDU) or simplified all-down for beginners. Focus on getting chord changes smooth before adding strumming complexity.

How do I play Cm chord on guitar?

Cm is the main chord in My Funny Valentine.

See our chord library for the Cm chord diagram with exact fingering.

Can I play My Funny Valentine on piano?

Yes! My Funny Valentine sounds great on piano.

Play the chords Cm, Ab, Fm, G7 in root position or inversions. Left hand plays bass notes (root of each chord), right hand plays chord voicings. This is a intermediate-level arrangement.

Is My Funny Valentine beginner-friendly?

My Funny Valentine is rated Intermediate difficulty.

The chord changes and rhythm require some practice.

What is the chord progression in My Funny Valentine?

The main progression in My Funny Valentine is Cm – Ab – Fm – G7 (Roman numeral: i–VI–iv–V7).

This 4-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.

Can I transpose My Funny Valentine to a different key?

Yes! My Funny Valentine is in Cm.

To make it easier, try transposing to G or D using a capo. A capo changes your effective key while keeping the same chord shapes. Use our Transpose Tool to convert all chord names automatically.

What genre is My Funny Valentine?

My Funny Valentine by Richard Rodgers is a Jazz song from 1937.

Its 4-chord progression (Cm, Ab, Fm, G7) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.