Shall We Dance? (From "Shall We Dance"): Lead Sheet

Gershwin's melodies are instantly recognizable and deeply satisfying to play, and this lead sheet edition gives guitarists direct access to the harmonic language that shaped American popular music. The Gershwin estate's full cooperation ensures authenticity, and having 100+ songs in a single resource means you're not hunting across multiple books to build a cohesive Gershwin-centered repertoire.

Gershwin's music swings with sophistication and charm, balancing the syncopated rhythms of jazz with the melodic refinement of concert music. There's a distinctive elegance to his harmonic movement, a sense of inevitability in how one chord leads to the next, combined with moments of genuine wit and tenderness.

Jazz guitarists building a foundation in standards, lead sheet readers preparing for jam sessions or ensemble playing, and musicians interested in the harmonic language that underpins American popular song. This resource is equally valuable for students learning to navigate changes and experienced players seeking authoritative transcriptions of a canonical catalog.

• Respect the rhythmic sophistication in Gershwin's melody lines; these aren't simple tunes. Phrase them with the same attention to shape and breath you'd give a classical melody.
• The harmonic progressions often move through chromatic passing chords and unexpected resolutions. Practice the changes slowly to internalize them, then allow the melody to breathe over them naturally.
• Pay attention to the lyrical content (even on a lead sheet) to shape your interpretation. Ira Gershwin's lyrics reveal the emotional arc of each song, which should inform your phrasing and tempo choices.
• Explore different comping textures; Gershwin's standards sound equally strong with sparse voicings and fuller chord accompaniments. Experimentation will deepen your understanding of each tune.

Use this collection as a reference for standards in a jazz curriculum, or build entire sets around Gershwin's output for student recitals and ensemble concerts. The breadth of material allows you to create thematic programs that showcase different moods and styles within a single composer's legacy.

• Reading and interpreting lead sheet notation with chord symbols
• Recognizing and navigating chromatic passing chords and jazz harmony conventions
• Understanding song form and structural phrasing in standards
• Developing harmonic literacy through exposure to Gershwin's sophisticated progressions
• Building interpretive choices based on melodic and lyrical content