“How High the Moon” was composed by Morgan Lewis with lyrics by Nancy Hamilton for the 1940 revue Two for the Show. It became a bebop anthem; Charlie Parker and Benny Harris built “Ornithology” on its changes, and Ella Fitzgerald’s scat-filled live performances are legendary. Les Paul and Mary Ford also had a big hit with it in 1951.
The form is a 32-bar ABAC, usually in G major. Its signature is a chain of ii-V-I progressions that descend by whole steps: Gmaj7, then Gm7 and C7 to Fmaj7, then Fm7 and Bb7 to Ebmaj7, then a ii-V back toward G. That descending pattern makes the tune a perfect workout for transposing ideas. The second half adds more ii-Vs and a turnaround.
For improvisation, learn a single ii-V-I lick and move it down a whole step each time the tune does. Then connect each key with guide tones; the seventh of each ii chord resolves down a half step to the third of the V. Over the major chords, use major pentatonic or arpeggio ideas for variety. Bebop players love this tune because it rewards clean, flowing eighth-note lines.
Practice at a medium tempo first, around 140 BPM, then increase speed. Memorize the key sequence: G, F, Eb, then back toward G. Learn the melody, then also learn “Ornithology,” which shares the same changes, so you can play both at sessions.
Common mistake: getting lost when the keys shift. Say the key names aloud as you practice.
Gig tip: some bands play a long introduction on the last eight bars. Ask before counting off so everyone knows the arrangement.
Recordings to study: Ella Fitzgerald’s 1960 Ella in Berlin version, Les Paul and Mary Ford’s hit, and Charlie Parker’s “Ornithology.” Learn more about the song’s history on Wikipedia’s How High the Moon article, and find more bebop-friendly standards on Minedit.