Cissy Strut | Chords
A – section
||: C9 | C9 Fus4 F :||
B – section
||: C9 | C9 :||
Solo
||: C9 :||
Cissy Strut Chords: Unlocking the Groove with Mixolydian Blues
There’s not much to say about the chords in Cissy Strut—it’s essentially a static I groove, much like #6 on my Top 10 Chord Progressions list. The only deviation comes from an Fsus chord, which briefly takes us away from the tonic.
That F chord (with its suspended 4th) plays an important role. While it feels like chord IV—following the classic blues movement up a fourth—it can’t be Lydian, as Lydian would have a raised 4th rather than a suspended 4th. Instead, F must be Ionian, making C Mixolydian.
The theory lines up perfectly: since C9 is a dominant chord, we’re moving V – I. And as is often the case with a static I groove, the chord used is a dominant 7th.
While it’s tempting to say Cissy Strut is “in Mixolydian,” that wouldn’t be entirely accurate. It’s just a blues with a brief IV chord visit.
To me, Cissy Strut is the perfect example of how you can study scales, read all the theory books, and analyse every note—but when it comes down to it, this tune only truly makes sense if you’ve spent time playing the blues.
Here’s a chord chart I made for you.
Cissy Strut Chord Chart | PDF + iReal Pro
You can download this super simple chord chart as a PDF: Cissy Strut chord chart PDF.
There’s also an iReal Pro version should you have the app: Cissy Strut chord chart iReal Pro.
You probably won’t need this chord chart to remember the chords, but you may find it useful to guide you through the arrangement, which flips after the solo.
Cissy Strut‘s Melody
A great way to develop as a musician is by working out melodies by ear. This isn’t about memorising fret numbers but rather connecting the melody to theoretical concepts. Try this approach:
- The A-section melody is based on a Cm7 arpeggio, starting on the root and descending.
- The B-section melody uses the same notes in a different order but avoids the minor third. Like the A-section, it also begins on the root.
- Alternatively, you could think of both sections as being built on the C minor pentatonic scale.
To internalise the melody, listen to the original recording and sing along until you can recall both sections from memory. Then, visualise the C minor pentatonic scale on your fretboard, start on the root, and see if you can find the melody yourself.
Cissy Strut is a rare instrumental jazz-funk standard that everyone can enjoy!
As one of the easiest instrumental funk tunes around, it’s a must-have in your repertoire.
Released in 1969 by The Meters, Cissy Strut has appeared in several films, earned a few awards, and even charted—an uncommon feat for an instrumental!
Countless jazz greats have recorded their versions, and even more have it on their setlist.
In 2021, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it #158 on their 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list—an impressive achievement for a tune built on just three sections and two chords.
Cissy Strut Chords | Related Pages
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