Irving Berlin’s How Deep Is the Ocean is one of the great American standards, combining a beautifully crafted melody with a harmonic structure that offers endless opportunities for exploration.
In this lesson, we take a close look at the tune’s abundance of minor ii–V progressions and how they shape the harmonic movement throughout the song. We’ll also examine one of the tune’s most distinctive moments: the unexpected move from I7 to iv7, a progression that briefly evokes the sound of the blues while adding emotional depth and color to the harmony.
Along the way, we’ll discuss practical approaches to improvisation, voice leading, and harmonic interpretation, all while staying connected to the melody that makes this standard so memorable.
Included with the lesson is a 13-page PDF featuring linear and chordal examples discussed throughout the lesson, along with a backing track for practice and application.
Topics include:
* Minor ii–V harmony
* The I7 to iv7 progression and its blues influence
* Melodic analysis and interpretation
* Linear improvisational ideas
* Chordal vocabulary and voice leading
* Practical applications for soloing and comping
Lesson materials included:
✅ 13-page PDF
✅ Linear and chordal examples
✅ Backing track
A deep dive into one of Irving Berlin’s most elegant compositions and the harmonic devices that make it such a rewarding tune to play. 🎸
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