Groovin’ High was written by Dizzy Gillespie in 1946. The standard is probably his most famous composition and one of the first famous bebop recordings. In this lesson, you will learn how to play the melody of Groovin’ High.
Groovin’ High is based on the chord structure of a 1920s song called Whispering, which was first recorded by Paul Whiteman and his Ambassador Orchestra in 1920. Dizzy Gillespie took the chord changes of Whispering and composed a new melody on top of it, with a faster tempo and a more complex harmony.
Learning the melody of Groovin’ High is a good introduction to the bebop style and its characteristic features, such as the use of chromaticism.
Practicing the melody will help you improve your technique and phrasing.
Recommended Listening:
- Dizzy Gillespie and his Sextets and Orchestra – Shaw ‘Nuff (1946)
- Art Pepper – Art Pepper + Eleven (1960)
- Arturo Sandoval – Danzon (Dance On) (1996)
- Kenny Burrell – Laid Back (1998)
- Jimmy Rosenberg – The One and Only (2013)
- Jim Hall – Jim Hall Plays Standards (2020)
Groovin’ High – Video & Guitar Tabs
Backing Track
Listen & Play-Along
Groovin’ High Band in a Box File
Like the mature gentlemen below I am 70 and share his musical sentiment. This tune here is a nice study for jazz guitar. I love the bebop scale. The sweet paraphrases in this tune sound cool on my classical guitar. Thank you for sharing, Sir!
Excelente trabajo. Muchas gracias maestro.
Cool Stuff as usual, thank you!
Thanks for this, Dirk. Just super —
Love Bebop Thanks. Practice
Thanks Dirk. Love ❤️ it.
Thanks, the best thing that ever happened to me when I found this site. Thanks Dirk! I am old man, 70 years, but I enjoy learning how to play, it’s like being born again… Jazz is unity and sharing. 1000 thanks Dirk!
I learned it in alternate positions. I’m looking forward to trying it in your positions along with the supporting chords. Thanks
Mark
Dirk , muchas gracias
Awesome – one of my favorite Dizzy tunes !