The chords for "How Deep Is Your Love" by the Bee Gees are known for their rich and somewhat complex harmonic structure, incorporating jazz-influenced chords and modal interchange. Here is a summary of the main chord progression and some key chords used in the song: Verse:
- Eb major
- Gm7
- Fm7
- C7 (secondary dominant)
- G7 (secondary dominant)
- Bb7
- Cm7
- Bb9sus4
Pre-chorus:
- Abmaj7
- Gm7
- Fm7
- Dbmaj7 (borrowed chord from Eb mixolydian or dorian)
- Bb9sus4
Chorus:
- Ebmaj7
- Abmaj7
- Abm6 (minor iv borrowed from parallel minor)
- Db6
- C7
- Fm7
- Abm
The song features several jazz chords such as major 7ths, minor 7ths, 9ths, and 6ths, and uses modal interchange chords like Dbmaj7 and Abm6 to add color and emotional depth. The chord progression also includes secondary dominants (C7, G7) which create tension and resolution in interesting ways. The form is somewhat irregular with a 6-bar pre-chorus and 10-bar chorus, reflecting a Beatles influence in the songwriting
. For guitar players, the chords often used include Eb, Ebmaj7, Gm7, Fm7, C7, G7, Abmaj7, Abm6, and Bb9sus4, among others, with fingerings that emphasize smooth voice-leading and a jazzy feel
. This harmonic richness is part of what makes "How Deep Is Your Love" a beautiful and sophisticated song beyond typical pop progressions
