Fly Me to the Moon

Summary

The A section establishes the circle of fourths pattern starting from Am7.

Harmonic Insight

This opening section moves through a complete cycle: Am7 → Dm7 → G7 → Cmaj7 → Fmaj7, demonstrating the circle of fourths motion that defines the entire tune. The section concludes with a ii-V-i in A minor (Bm7b5 → E7 → Am7), creating a perfect loop back to the beginning.

Scale Guide

• ♫Am7: A Dorian (A B C D E F# G)
• ♫Dm7: D Dorian (D E F G A B C)
• ♫G7: G Mixolydian (G A B C D E F)
• ♫Cmaj7: C Ionian / C Major Scale
• ♫Fmaj7: F Lydian (F G A B C D E)
• ♫Bm7b5: B Locrian (B C D E F G A)
• ♫E7: E Mixolydian b9 b13 or Harmonic Minor (E F# G# A B C D)

Practice Tips

• Practice the circle of fourths progression (Am-Dm-G-C-F) as a standalone exercise in all keys.
• Focus on voice leading: move chord tones stepwise between Am7 → Dm7 → G7 → Cmaj7.
• The Bm7b5 → E7 → Am7 at the end is a classic ii-V-i in A minor—practice this cadence separately.
• Try playing the bass line descending by fourths: A → D → G → C → F → B → E → A.