Below is a complete guide to understanding, playing, and singing this iconic track. 🎵 Musical Overview B-flat Major (Original Stevie Wonder key).
He frequently used open strings to facilitate massive position shifts.
It celebrates finding a love that justifies the past struggles ("For once, unashamed, I can face the world").
Focus on the storytelling and the vulnerability of the lyrics.
Bb→Bbaug→Bb6→Bb7cap B b right arrow cap B b a u g right arrow cap B b 6 right arrow cap B b 7 This is followed by a classic ii→Vi i right arrow cap V turnaround:
This classic was written by Ron Miller and Orlando Murden for Motown's Stein & Van Stock publishing company. While it was recorded by dozens of artists (including Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra), Stevie Wonder's 1968 uptempo version stands as the definitive, chart-topping masterpiece.
Ebmaj7→Dm7→Cm7→F7cap E b m a j 7 right arrow cap D m 7 right arrow cap C m 7 right arrow cap F 7 2. The Famous Bassline
Usually performed much slower as a traditional pop ballad.