Table of Contents
A transcription of “The Chicken” theme, featuring a clever blend of funky chords and licks by Biréli Lagrène from the album “Broadway Blues,” is provided in this lesson.
The Chicken
“The Chicken” is a super energetic jazz-fusion tune that was originally written by saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis. It really took off, though, when legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius put his spin on it in his 1977 live album “Invitation.”
With its catchy groove, punchy horn lines, and Jaco’s unforgettable bass work, the track became a go-to favorite for jazz-fusion fans and musicians. It mixes funk, soul, and wild improvisation, perfectly showing off what fusion music is all about — and that’s why it’s still a staple in jam sessions and live shows today.
Chords Changes
Here is a brief analysis based on Jaco Pastorius version in the album Broadway Blues.
Here’s the accurate chord progression for “The Chicken” in Bb, as commonly played :
| Bb7 | % | % | % |
| Bb7 | % | % | % |
| Eb7 | % | D7 | G7 |
| C7 | % | % | Break (Bb) |
The harmony consists entirely of dominant 7th chords, Bb7 being the I7 chord and Eb7 the IV7.
These two chords may reminds of the first two chords of a classic blues progression.
The progression D7 – G7 – C7 can be understood as variation of a 2 5 1 sequence but with dominant 7 chords, thus giving :
D7 (II7, secondary dominant of G7 V/V)
G7 (V7)
I7 (C7)
Brief Chord Analysis
Birelli Lagrene’s main theme interpretation is a brilliant blend of extended three note chords funky rhythm parts and left hand techniques.
Here are some voicing charts for a better understanding of the chord used.
As explained above, all these chords are made of three notes and played on the first three strings.
The Chicken Guitar Transcription
Here below, the transcription with tab of the introduction and the main theme.
