How to Play How High the Moon by Morgan Lewis
How High the Moon (1940) is a intermediate-level jazz song that uses 4 chords: G, Am7, D7, Gmaj7 in the key of G. The chord progression is I–ii7–V7–Imaj7.
Chord Breakdown
- G — major chord, bright and stable
- Am7 — dominant 7th, adds tension and movement
- D7 — dominant 7th, adds tension and movement
- Gmaj7 — dominant 7th, adds tension and movement
About How High the Moon
"How High the Moon" by Morgan Lewis (released 1940) is one of the most recognizable jazz songs ever recorded. Its 4-chord structure demonstrates how a simple progression can create an emotionally powerful and memorable piece of music. The combination of G, Am7, D7 creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.
Learning How High the Moon as a Beginner
If you're learning to play How High the Moon, start by getting comfortable with each chord individually before trying to switch between them. The goal is to make each chord change automatic — your fingers should know where to go without you having to think about it. Practice the chord loop slowly with a metronome, and you'll be playing the full song within a few weeks.