So What — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

So What uses the chords Dm7, Ebm7 in the key of Dm. The progression follows a i7–ii7 pattern. This is a intermediate-level song.

Jazz · 1959 · Intermediate

So What

by Miles Davis
Key of Dm 120 BPM Intermediate

Chord Sheet

Key of Dm · Progression: i7–ii7

Dm7
chord 1
Ebm7
chord 2
Chord Loop
Dm7 — Ebm7 — ...
Roman Numeral Analysis
View the harmonic structure and functional analysis of this progression.
View Analysis →
Key
Dm
Tempo
120 BPM
Chords
2
Genre
Jazz

Practice Tips for So What

  • →Start at 60 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the Dm7→Ebm7 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 So What by Miles Davis

So What (1959) is a intermediate-level jazz song that uses 2 chords: Dm7, Ebm7 in the key of Dm. The chord progression is i7–ii7.

Chord Breakdown

  • Dm7 — dominant 7th, adds tension and movement
  • Ebm7 — dominant 7th, adds tension and movement

About So What

"So What" by Miles Davis (released 1959) is one of the most recognizable jazz songs ever recorded. Its 2-chord structure demonstrates how a simple progression can create an emotionally powerful and memorable piece of music. The combination of Dm7, Ebm7 creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning So What as a Beginner

If you're learning to play So What, 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.

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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

So What by Miles Davis — FAQ

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

What chords are in So What by Miles Davis?

So What uses the chords Dm7, Ebm7 in the key of Dm.

The progression follows a i7–ii7 pattern. This is a intermediate-level song.

What key is So What in?

So What by Miles Davis is in the key of Dm.

The primary chords are Dm7, Ebm7.

What is the tempo of So What?

So What 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 So What use?

So What 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 Dm7 chord on guitar?

Dm7 is the main chord in So What.

See our chord library for the Dm7 chord diagram with exact fingering.

Can I play So What on piano?

Yes! So What sounds great on piano.

Play the chords Dm7, Ebm7 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 So What beginner-friendly?

So What is rated Intermediate difficulty.

The chord changes and rhythm require some practice.

What is the chord progression in So What?

The main progression in So What is Dm7 – Ebm7 (Roman numeral: i7–ii7).

This 2-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.

Can I transpose So What to a different key?

Yes! So What is in Dm.

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 So What?

So What by Miles Davis is a Jazz song from 1959.

Its 2-chord progression (Dm7, Ebm7) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.