C Jam Blues
Written in 1942 by Duke Ellington, this song is “almost” always performed in C, hence the title. It follows a twelve-bar blues form in the key of C major. The tune is well known for being extremely easy to play, with the entire melody featuring only two notes: G and C.
A performance typically features several improvised solos. The melody likely originated from the clarinetist Barney Bigard in 1941, but its origin is not perfectly clear.
It was also known as “Duke’s Place”, with lyrics added by Bill Katts, Bob Thiele and Ruth Roberts.
Practice View/Music/Backing Track – Click to open
Lyrics – Click to open
iReal Chart – Click to open
