Below is the lesson for “Blue Moon” by Richard Rodgers.

Helpful Tips

A playful take on a timeless ballad. This song is credited as the first popular composition to use the iconic ’50s [chord] progression. This progression is:

I–vi–IV–V

Although, this progression was often altered to create variations, such as the one used in “Blue Moon”:

I–vi–ii–V

It’s also important to mention that this song uses a swung eighth note feel to give it a playful vibe. If you need a crash course on the difference between straight versus swung rhythm, check out this lesson.