The Ultimate Gig Reference: Jazz Standards and Their Keys

If you’ve been following this series, you know the philosophy behind the music. You understand the architecture of the repertoire, and you know that jazz is, at its core, a conversation.

But when you finally step onto the bandstand and the rhythm section looks at you for direction, theory takes a backseat to instinct. You need to know the starting line.

While every dedicated musician should eventually strive to transpose these tunes into all twelve keys, there is an unspoken agreement in the jazz world regarding “standard” keys.

These are the keys most frequently printed in lead sheets, called at local jam sessions, and immortalized on the classic recordings.

Knowing them isn’t just about memorization; it’s about fluency. It is the practical vocabulary you need to join the conversation without hesitation.

To help you navigate the bandstand, I’ve compiled an extensive, quick-reference guide. I recommend bookmarking this list or keeping a printed copy in your instrument case.

The Standard Repertoire

These are the foundational swing tunes, bebop vehicles, pop crossovers, and haunting ballads that make up the Great American Songbook and traditional jazz canon.

Jazz Standard	Common Key
A Foggy Day	F
Ain’t Misbehavin’	Eb
All Blues	G
All the Things You Are	Ab
As Time Goes By	Eb
Autumn Leaves	G
Bessie’s Blues	F
Blue Moon	Eb
Bluesette	Bb
Body and Soul	Db
Cheek to Cheek	Bb
Days of Wine and Roses	F
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore	C
Do Nothing ‘til You Hear From Me	Eb
Emily	Eb
Fly Me to the Moon	C
Georgia	F
Green Dolphin Street	C
Here’s That Rainy Day	G
How High the Moon	G
I Can’t Get Started	C
I Got Rhythm	Bb
In a Mellow Tone	Ab
In a Sentimental Mood	F
Isn’t It Romantic	Eb
It Had to Be You	F
It Might as Well Be Spring	Bb
It’s Too Late, Baby	Am
Just Squeeze Me	F
Just the Way You Are	D
Lady Bird	C
Lady is a Tramp	F
Lover Man	G
Lullaby of Birdland	Ab
Mack, the Knife	C
Makin’ Whoopee	G
Misty	Eb
Moon River	C
My Funny Valentine	Eb
My Romance	Bb
Night and Day	C
On the Street Where You Live	Bb
Our Love is Here to Stay	F
Over the Rainbow	Eb
Polka Dots and Moonbeams	F
Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head	C
‘Round Midnight	Ebm
Satin Doll	C
So What	Dm
Someday My Prince Will Come	Bb
Someone to Watch Over Me	Eb
Something	C
Star Dust	F
Stella By Starlight	Bb
Stormy Weather	G
Summertime	Am
Take the “A” Train	C
Teach Me Tonight	Eb
That’s All	Bb
The Way You Look Tonight	F
There Will Never Be Another You	Eb
They Can’t Take That Away From Me	Eb
Waltz For Debby	F
What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?	Am
What a Wonderful World	F
When Sunny Gets Blue	F
Yesterday	F

The Latin Repertoire

From the breezy sway of Bossa Nova to the driving energy of Samba, these Latin standards are essential for any well-rounded gigging musician.

Latin Standard	Common Key
A Day in the Life of a Fool (Black Orpheus)	Am
Besame Mucho	Dm
Blue Bossa	Cm
Corcovado	C
Desafinado	F
Dindi	Eb
Europa	Eb
Girl From Ipanema	F
I Wish You Love	Eb
Lucky Southern	D
Never on Sunday	Eb
One Note Samba	Bb
Shadow of Your Smile	G
Song For My Father	Fm
Spanish Eyes	G
Summer Samba	F
Tenderly	Eb
This Masquerade	Fm
Triste	Bb
Watch What Happens	Eb

Get out there and play

Mastering these keys gives you the confidence to step on stage anywhere in the world.

When you hear the first few notes, you will instantly recognize the form, lock into the harmony, and add your own voice to the century-long dialogue.

Learn the melodies deeply, internalize the progressions, and let the conversation begin.