Exploring the Chords of “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”

Introduction

As one of the most beloved holiday standards, “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” has been covered by a wide variety of artists since its debut in 1947. Written by Frank Loesser and first performed by The Orioles, the song has become a part of many people’s holiday traditions. This article will explore the chords of this timeless tune in depth, providing an in-depth look at how to play it on guitar, analyze its chord progressions, and arrange it for piano and jazz.

Exploring the Chords of “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”

The first step in understanding “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” is to identify its chord progression. The song is written in the key of Bb major and follows a chord progression of Bbmaj7 – Dm7 – Gm7 – C7 – Fmaj7 – Bbmaj7 – Ebmaj7 – Abmaj7 – Db7 – Bbmaj7.

Breaking Down the Chords

Now that we know the chord progression of “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”, let’s break down each individual chord. The Bbmaj7 chord consists of the notes Bb, D, F, and A. The Dm7 chord consists of the notes D, F, A, and C. The Gm7 chord consists of the notes G, Bb, D, and F. The C7 chord consists of the notes C, E, G, and Bb. The Fmaj7 chord consists of the notes F, A, C, and E. The Ebmaj7 chord consists of the notes Eb, G, Bb, and D. The Abmaj7 chord consists of the notes Ab, C, Eb, and G. The Db7 chord consists of the notes Db, F, Ab, and C.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Playing “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” on Guitar

Now that we have identified the chords of “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”, let’s discuss how to play them on guitar. First, make sure your guitar is properly tuned and your strings are in good condition. Then, start by strumming the Bbmaj7 chord four times, followed by the Dm7 chord four times, the Gm7 chord four times, the C7 chord four times, and the Fmaj7 chord four times. After that, strum the Bbmaj7 chord twice, followed by the Ebmaj7 chord twice, the Abmaj7 chord twice, and the Db7 chord twice. Finally, end with the Bbmaj7 chord four times.

Once you have mastered the basics of strumming the chords, you can add embellishments such as hammer-ons and pull-offs to give the song more texture and depth. Additionally, you can experiment with different strumming techniques, such as alternating between upstrokes and downstrokes, to create a more interesting sound.

Analyzing the Chord Progressions of “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”

In order to better understand the harmonic structure of “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”, let’s take a look at the song’s chord progressions. The song begins with a Bbmaj7 chord, which sets the tonality of the song in Bb major. The next four chords (Dm7, Gm7, C7, and Fmaj7) form a ii-V-I-IV progression, which resolves back to the Bbmaj7 chord. This is repeated twice more, with the last repetition ending on the Db7 chord. The Db7 chord acts as a pivot chord, leading into the final Bbmaj7 chord.

Tonally, “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” can be described as a bluesy ballad. The combination of minor and dominant seventh chords gives the song a bluesy feel, while the use of major chords creates a sense of resolution and hopefulness. Additionally, the song utilizes chromaticism, which adds tension and suspense.

Crafting a Unique Arrangement of “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”

If you want to create a unique arrangement of “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”, there are several things you can do. One option is to reharmonize the song by substituting different chords for the original ones. For example, you could replace the Bbmaj7 chord with an Em7 or an Am9 chord. Alternatively, you could create countermelodies by adding additional notes or chords to the basic chord progression.

Harmonizing “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” for Piano

If you want to harmonize “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” for piano, you should choose chords that are appropriate for the song’s harmonic structure. Start by playing the melody in the right hand, then accompany it with the appropriate chords in the left hand. For example, when the melody is in Bb major, you could accompany it with a Bbmaj7 chord. When the melody is in D minor, you could accompany it with a Dm7 chord. Experiment with different voicings and textures to create an interesting accompaniment.

Creating a Jazz Version of “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”

If you want to create a jazz version of “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”, there are a few elements you should incorporate. First, use swing rhythms instead of straight eighth notes to give the song a jazzy feel. Second, use chromaticism to add tension and suspense. Third, add improvisation to give the song a more spontaneous feel. Finally, experiment with different voicings and harmonies to create a unique sound.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” is a timeless holiday classic with a complex chord progression. This article explored the chords of the song in depth, providing a step-by-step guide to playing it on guitar, analyzing its chord progressions, and crafting unique arrangements. Whether you’re looking to play the song on guitar, harmonize it for piano, or create a jazz version, this article has provided you with the tools you need to get started.