The guitar tab (chords and melody) for “Blue Monk” is available for download as a PDF.
Blue Monk
“Blue Monk,” written by Thelonious Monk, was first recorded in 1954 during the hard-bop era and became one of his most enduring blues themes. Built on a classic 12-bar form, it balances earthy simplicity with Monk’s off-kilter phrasing and harmonic bite. Early studio versions featured musicians such as Sonny Rollins and Art Blakey, helping cement its place in the modern jazz repertoire.
Though Monk rarely recorded with guitar, a notable 1954 session included Kenny Burrell, whose warm, understated comping added a subtle rhythmic cushion behind Monk’s percussive piano. The contrast highlighted how adaptable the tune was beyond horn-led settings. Over time, “Blue Monk” became a jam-session staple, its relaxed swing inviting interpretation while quietly demanding respect for its deceptively spare melody.
Video
In the video below, I perform the piece as transcribed.
Guitar Tab
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