By Fragos/Baker/Gasparre

I Hear a Rhapsody

I Hear a Rhapsody is a jazz standard composed in 1940 by George Fragos, Jack Baker, and Dick Gasparre. A featured hit during the big band era, it was included in the 1952 film "Clash By Night" and has become a classic in the modern jazz repertoire. This versatile song can be played as an expressive ballad, in a medium swing, or as an up-tempo tune.

By Fragos/Baker/Gasparre

I Hear a Rhapsody

I Hear a Rhapsody
is a jazz standard composed in 1940 by George Fragos, Jack Baker, and Dick Gasparre. A featured hit during the big band era, it was included in the 1952 film "Clash By Night" and has become a classic in the modern jazz repertoire. This versatile song can be played as an expressive ballad, in a medium swing, or as an up-tempo tune.

Chord Charts: I Hear a Rhapsody

Chord Charts

Learn the chord changes to

I Hear a Rhapsody

using common lead sheets for C, Bb, and Eb instruments.

Frequently performed as an up-tempo tune as Coltrane did, this tune can also be played as a ballad.

Form: AABA
Total Bars: 32
Common Key(s): Eb
How to Play This Tune

Step 1: Understand the Major - Relative Minor Relationship

Start by understanding the relationship between the major tonic and its relative minor. This connection shows up throughout the jazz repertoire, and hearing how the I and vi chords relate gives you a clearer way to move through progressions. Once this relationship is in your ear, the harmony will start to feel more logical and easier to navigate.

PRO The Relative Minor Formula in Every Standard The Relative Minor Formula in Every Standard

Step 2: Develop some ii-V-I Language

Next, develop ii–V–I language that you can rely on in real time. This progression is at the core of jazz harmony, and having a set of strong lines and ii-V concepts helps you create flow and direction in your playing. Instead of thinking through each chord, you begin to move through the progression with clear melodic ideas.

PRO How To Master The ii-V-I Progression: 25 Essential Lines You Need To Know How To Master The ii-V-I Progression: 25 Essential Lines You Need To Know

Step 3: Focus on Dominant 7 Alterations

Finally, focus on how to use altered tones on dominant chords, especially in minor ii–V situations or when resolving to a minor chord. This lesson gives you a clear visual guide to all the altered tones, so you can see exactly how they work and access them without guessing when you solo.

FREE Demystifying Dominant 7 Chord Alterations: A Visual Guide Demystifying Dominant 7 Chord Alterations: A Visual Guide

Videos

Videos: I Hear a Rhapsody

How to Play I Hear a Rhapsody

Step 1: Understand the Major - Relative Minor Relationship

Start by understanding the relationship between the major tonic and its relative minor. This connection shows up throughout the jazz repertoire, and hearing how the I and vi chords relate gives you a clearer way to move through progressions. Once this relationship is in your ear, the harmony will start to feel more logical and easier to navigate.

PRO The Relative Minor Formula in Every Standard The Relative Minor Formula in Every Standard

Step 2: Develop some ii-V-I Language

Next, develop ii–V–I language that you can rely on in real time. This progression is at the core of jazz harmony, and having a set of strong lines and ii-V concepts helps you create flow and direction in your playing. Instead of thinking through each chord, you begin to move through the progression with clear melodic ideas.

PRO How To Master The ii-V-I Progression: 25 Essential Lines You Need To Know How To Master The ii-V-I Progression: 25 Essential Lines You Need To Know

Step 3: Focus on Dominant 7 Alterations

Finally, focus on how to use altered tones on dominant chords, especially in minor ii–V situations or when resolving to a minor chord. This lesson gives you a clear visual guide to all the altered tones, so you can see exactly how they work and access them without guessing when you solo.

FREE Demystifying Dominant 7 Chord Alterations: A Visual Guide Demystifying Dominant 7 Chord Alterations: A Visual Guide

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Eric O'Donnell

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