Introduction

“Fly Me to the Moon” stands as one of the most beloved and frequently performed jazz standards in the American songbook. Originally written by Frank Sinatra’s arranger, this timeless piece offers guitarists an excellent introduction to jazz harmony and chord progressions. Whether you’re a beginner exploring jazz guitar or an experienced player looking to refine your approach, this comprehensive lesson will guide you through every aspect of playing this iconic song.

Song Overview and Essential Information

Basic Song Details

• Key: C Major (most common) / A minor relative
• Tempo: 120-140 BPM (medium swing)
• Time Signature: 4/4
• Form: 32-bar AABA structure
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Style: Jazz Standard, Bossa Nova variations available

Why Learn “Fly Me to the Moon”?

This song serves as an ideal vehicle for learning fundamental jazz concepts including ii-V-I progressions, circle of fifths movement, and sophisticated chord voicings. The harmonic structure provides a perfect framework for understanding how jazz chords function and connect to create smooth voice leading.

Essential Equipment and Setup

Recommended Equipment

• Hollow body or semi-hollow electric guitar (jazz box preferred)
• Clean amplifier setting or acoustic guitar
• Jazz picks (medium to heavy gauge)
• Metronome for swing timing practice

Tone Considerations

• Clean, warm tone with natural compression
• Minimal effects – focus on pure chord voicings
• Finger positioning crucial for clear chord articulation

Understanding Jazz Chord Theory

Fundamental Jazz Chords Used

The song employs several essential jazz chord types that every guitarist should master:

• Major 7th chords (CMaj7, FMaj7)
• Minor 7th chords (Am7, Dm7)
• Dominant 7th chords (G7, E7)
• Half-diminished chords (Bm7b5)

Voice Leading Principles

Jazz guitar emphasizes smooth voice leading where individual chord tones move in stepwise motion between chords. This creates sophisticated harmonic movement while maintaining melodic continuity.

Core Chord Progressions and Analysis

Main Chord Progression (Key of C)

The complete 32-bar form breaks down as follows:

A Section (8 bars): CMaj7 – Am7 – Dm7 – G7 – CMaj7 – Am7 – Dm7 – G7

A Section Repeat (8 bars): CMaj7 – Am7 – Dm7 – G7 – EMaj7 – Am7 – Dm7 – G7

B Section (8 bars): CMaj7 – C7 – FMaj7 – Bm7b5 – E7 – Am7 – Dm7 – G7

A Section Final (8 bars): CMaj7 – Am7 – Dm7 – G7 – CMaj7 – Am7 – Dm7 – G7

Jazz Guitar Chord Diagrams

CMaj7 (C Major 7th)

  E A D G B E
  X 3 2 0 0 0
  | | | | | |
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | | ● | | |  2nd fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | ● | | | |  3rd fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+

Am7 (A Minor 7th)

  E A D G B E
  X 0 2 0 1 0
  | | | | | |
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | | ● | ● |  1st fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | | | | | |  2nd fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+

Dm7 (D Minor 7th)

  E A D G B E
  X X 0 2 1 1
  | | | | | |
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | | | | ● ●  1st fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | | | ● | |  2nd fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+

G7 (G Dominant 7th)

  E A D G B E
  3 2 0 0 0 1
  | | | | | |
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | | | | | ●  1st fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | ● | | | |  2nd fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  ● | | | | |  3rd fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+

FMaj7 (F Major 7th)

  E A D G B E
  1 3 3 2 1 0
  | | | | | |
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  ● | | | ● |  1st fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | | | ● | |  2nd fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | ● ● | | |  3rd fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+

Bm7b5 (B Half-Diminished)

  E A D G B E
  X 2 3 2 3 X
  | | | | | |
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | | | | | |  1st fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | ● | ● | |  2nd fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | | ● | ● |  3rd fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+

E7 (E Dominant 7th)

  E A D G B E
  0 2 0 1 0 0
  | | | | | |
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | | | ● | |  1st fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+
  | ● | | | |  2nd fret
  +-+-+-+-+-+

Strumming Patterns and Rhythm

Basic Jazz Swing Feel

Jazz guitar typically uses a swing eighth-note feel rather than straight eighth notes. The basic strumming pattern emphasizes beats 2 and 4:

Pattern: Down – (rest) – Up-Down – (rest) – Up-Down – (rest) – Up-Down

Chord Comping Techniques

• Accent beats 2 and 4 for authentic swing feel
• Use partial chord voicings on upbeats
• Incorporate chord stabs for rhythmic interest
• Practice with brushed strumming for softer sections

Advanced Chord Voicings and Substitutions

Drop 2 Voicings

These sophisticated voicings create richer harmonic textures:

CMaj7 Drop 2 (5th fret)

E|--7--
B|--5--
G|--4--
D|--5--
A|--X--
E|--X--

Am7 Drop 2 (5th fret)

E|--5--
B|--5--
G|--5--
D|--5--
A|--X--
E|--X--

Common Substitutions

• Tritone substitutions for dominant chords
• Chord extensions (9th, 11th, 13th)
• Chromatic approach chords for smooth voice leading

Single-Note Melody and Improvisation

Main Melody Tablature

The opening melodic phrase adapted for guitar:

E|--8--7--5--7--8--10--8--7--5--
B|------------------------------
G|------------------------------
D|------------------------------
A|------------------------------
E|------------------------------

Improvisation Concepts

• Use chord tones as target notes
• Approach notes create melodic tension
• Scale choices: Major, minor, dominant scales
• Rhythmic variation keeps solos interesting

Song Structure and Form Analysis

32-Bar AABA Form Breakdown

Understanding the song’s structure helps with both performance and improvisation:

A Section (8 bars): Establishes home key with ii-V-I progression A Section Repeat (8 bars): Similar harmonic content with slight variation B Section (8 bars): Provides contrast with different harmonic areas A Section Final (8 bars): Returns to home key for resolution

Harmonic Analysis

The progressions demonstrate classic jazz harmony:

• ii-V-I progressions in multiple keys
• Circle of fifths root movement
• Secondary dominants for tonicization
• Relative major/minor relationships

Performance Techniques and Tips

Fingerpicking Approach

For a more intimate interpretation, consider fingerpicking:

Thumb: Bass notes and root tones Index: Higher melody notes Middle: Interior chord tones Ring: Top voice melody

Dynamics and Expression

• Start softly and build intensity
• Use chord inversions for melodic bass lines
• Vary your attack between sections
• Practice rubato for ballad interpretations

Common Mistakes and Solutions

Timing Issues

• Problem: Rushing through chord changes
• Solution: Practice with metronome at slower tempos
• Problem: Ignoring swing feel
• Solution: Listen to jazz recordings and practice swing subdivisions

Harmonic Problems

• Problem: Muddy chord voicings
• Solution: Focus on voice leading and chord clarity
• Problem: Incorrect chord progressions
• Solution: Study the harmonic analysis and practice progressions slowly

Practice Routine and Progression

Beginner Practice Schedule

Week 1-2: Master basic chord shapes and changes Week 3-4: Add strumming patterns and rhythm Week 5-6: Learn complete song form Week 7-8: Work on smooth transitions and dynamics

Intermediate Development

• Chord substitutions and extensions
• Different key centers (F major, G major, etc.)
• Bossa nova rhythm variations
• Basic improvisation over chord changes

Advanced Concepts

• Reharmonization techniques
• Solo guitar arrangements
• Modal interchange and borrowed chords
• Advanced improvisation strategies

Different Musical Styles and Interpretations

Traditional Jazz Swing

• Medium tempo (120-130 BPM)
• Strong swing feel
• Walking bass line accompaniment
• Chord comping with space for solos

Bossa Nova Style

• Slower tempo (100-110 BPM)
• Nylon string guitar preferred
• Subtle fingerpicking patterns
• Softer dynamics throughout

Ballad Interpretation

• Very slow tempo (60-80 BPM)
• Emphasis on melody and harmony
• Rubato timing flexibility
• Rich chord voicings and extensions

Recording and Performance Tips

Home Recording Setup

• Position microphone 12-18 inches from guitar
• Use room acoustics for natural reverb
• Record chord progression first as backing track
• Layer melody and improvisation over rhythm

Live Performance Considerations

• Project clearly without overplaying
• Leave space for other musicians
• Communicate form through visual cues
• Practice transitions between sections

Connecting with Jazz Tradition

Essential Listening

Study these classic interpretations to understand different approaches:

• Traditional swing versions for rhythmic feel
• Bossa nova interpretations for harmonic sophistication
• Contemporary jazz guitar arrangements for modern techniques

Historical Context

Understanding the song’s place in jazz history helps inform your interpretation. The piece represents the golden age of American popular song and showcases the sophistication of mid-century jazz harmony.

Troubleshooting Common Challenges

Chord Transition Problems

If you’re struggling with specific chord changes:

1. Isolate the difficult transition
2. Practice it slowly and repeatedly
3. Focus on common finger positions
4. Use a metronome for consistent timing

Rhythm and Feel Issues

For swing feel development:

1. Listen to jazz drummers and bass players
2. Practice with play-along tracks
3. Use a metronome with swing setting
4. Record yourself to identify timing issues

Conclusion and Next Steps

“Fly Me to the Moon” serves as an excellent foundation for jazz guitar study. The song’s harmonic sophistication, combined with its memorable melody, makes it an ideal vehicle for developing essential jazz skills. Through dedicated practice of the chord progressions, rhythm patterns, and melodic concepts presented in this lesson, you’ll build a solid foundation for further jazz exploration.

Recommended Next Songs

After mastering “Fly Me to the Moon,” consider these related standards:

• “Autumn Leaves” – Similar ii-V-I progressions in different keys
• “All of Me” – Classic chord substitutions and voice leading
• “Girl from Ipanema” – Bossa nova rhythm and harmony
• “Blue Moon” – Additional work with major and minor tonalities

Continuing Your Jazz Journey

The skills developed through this song will serve you well in countless other jazz standards. Focus on understanding the underlying harmonic principles rather than just memorizing chord shapes, and you’ll find that jazz guitar becomes increasingly intuitive and rewarding.

Remember that jazz is both a technical and emotional art form. While mastering the harmonic and rhythmic elements is crucial, don’t forget to bring your own musical personality and expression to every performance. The greatest jazz musicians combine technical proficiency with personal creativity and emotional authenticity.

Keep practicing, keep listening, and most importantly, keep enjoying the incredible world of jazz guitar!