Analysis of Ella Fitzgerald's Use of Rhythm and Scales in the Song "How High the Moon"

Abstract

This article focuses on the study and analysis of Ella Fitzgerald's use of rhythm and scales in the song "How High The Moon" during her 1966 live performance. This song is renowned for its vocal techniques and requires advanced singing skills to create a colorful performance. It is considered one of the most famous songs for its use of scat singing combined with Ella Fitzgerald's scales. The article presents the elements of scale usage, modes, and various rhythms with two objectives: 1) the use of rhythm in Ella Fitzgerald's scat singing and 2) the use of scales, modes, and arpeggios.

The analysis reveals that:

In her scat singing, Ella Fitzgerald employs a variety of rhythmic techniques. These include the use of whole notes and half notes, which uniquely help to slow down and change the phrasing of the song, quarter notes that emphasize the pulse and drive of the rhythm in the song, and eighth notes to highlight swing rhythm, creating a distinctive syncopation.

The use of scales, modes, and arpeggios plays a significant role in creating the high-level vocal improvisation, arranging note groups, and producing unequal intervals. Scales assist in propelling the scat singing during the upbeat, modes help in driving the downbeat, and there is frequent use of 7th chords combined with arpeggios, which makes the chords more interesting and colorful, especially with the 9th, 11th, and 13th notes of the scale.

Educators, learners, and those interested in improvisational techniques and scat singing can apply these findings to gain a better understanding of creating colorful musical performances in the future. This also provides a unique and non-repetitive auditory experience during performances.