That Girl: Lead Sheet / Fake Book

This lead sheet captures one of Wonder's most accessible and groove-centered songs, making it ideal for ensembles wanting to explore contemporary soul-pop arranging without sacrificing harmonic depth. The fake book format gives your students direct access to the chord changes and melody that define the tune, encouraging them to voice and reharmonize while staying grounded in Wonder's original concept. You'll find this works beautifully as a model for understanding how pop songwriting can be both ear-friendly and harmonically sophisticated.

Smooth, confident, and rhythmically poised. The song has an unhurried elegance, with a melody that sits comfortably in the middle register and harmonies that feel warm without being overly sentimental. There's a sense of ease and funk sensibility woven throughout, inviting performers to settle into a pocket rather than rush.

Pianists and keyboardists developing their comping skills in contemporary styles will benefit from working through Wonder's harmonic choices. Singers and vocalists studying popular music phrasing and interpretation find this tune both singable and expressive. Ensemble directors building a pop or soul concert will value having a chart that is melodically memorable and harmonically substantive.

• Listen to Wonder's original recording multiple times before rehearsal to absorb the rhythmic pocket and the specific way he phrases the melody; the groove lives in details that notation alone cannot capture.
• Experiment with different voicings on the chord changes rather than settling for the first interpretation. Wonder's harmonic language rewards exploration, and your musicians will discover new colors with each attempt.
• Pay attention to the syncopation and anticipations in the melody line. These are essential to the song's contemporary feel and deserve careful articulation from your lead vocalist or soloist.

Consider pairing this with other contemporary soul or pop standards to create a short set exploring the intersection of accessible songwriting and harmonic complexity. It serves as an excellent opener for a pop or jazz-influenced concert, establishing a relaxed mood while immediately showcasing musicianship. You might also use it as a classroom study in understanding chord function across contemporary genres.

• Reading and interpreting lead sheet notation with chord symbols
• Comping and voicing chords in contemporary soul and pop styles
• Phrasing and rhythmic interpretation in groove-based music
• Transposition and reharmonization of popular melodies