What's Going On
by Marvin Gaye
Difficulty Profile
Skill LevelOverall
IntermediateRhythm
IntermediateLead
IntermediateBass
AdvancedWhy "What's Going On" Works Harmonically
Beyond standard guitar tabs and chord charts, discover the exact music theory mechanics, modal interchange, and voice leading choices that give Marvin Gaye's classic its unforgettable emotional power.
The Harmonic Architecture of E major with Ionian (Major) with jazz/soul coloring
The musical power of "What's Going On" stems from the deliberate harmonic movement between E major and the Imaj7 - vi7 progression. Sophisticated two-chord vamp using seventh chord voicings that create the smooth, jazzy feel central to the song's character
Harmonic Progression (Roman Numerals)
Imaj7 - vi7Step-by-Step Movement
- •Emaj7 (Imaj7) - Tonic major seventh providing warm, sophisticated harmonic foundation
- •C#m7 (vi7) - Relative minor seventh creating smooth, jazzy contrast without tension
- •Amaj7 (IVmaj7) - Subdominant seventh adding harmonic richness in the bridge
- •B7 (V7) - Dominant seventh providing gentle resolution back to Emaj7
Voice Leading & Counterpoint
- ›The progression moves through Emaj7 → C#m7, creating smooth root movement across the guitar fretboard.
- ›Tuning (Standard (EADGBE)) allows open-string resonance and dynamic chord extensions.
- ›The tempo of 98 BPM gives each chord voicing time to breathe and establish its tonal identity.
Fretboard Mechanics
Played in Standard (EADGBE) with classic fretboard fingerings tailored to Soul/R&B guitar playing. Focus on clean transitions between Emaj7, C#m7.
Study the Imaj7 - vi7 progression in E major. Notice how each chord change either builds or resolves tension without overcomplicating the underlying harmony.
Foundation for the jazz-influenced chord voicings and melodic movement
Guitar fills and smooth melodic lines between chord changes
C#m7 chord passages and minor-inflected fills
The modal foundation of the key.
Primary chord shapes used.
Musical Analysis
🎹 Key & Tonality
⏱️ Song Structure
💡 Understanding E major:
E major has a bright, uplifting character typical of major keys. The Ionian (Major) with jazz/soul coloring mode gives it a stable, resolved feeling. This key works well for anthemic rock songs and creates a powerful, confident mood.
Foundation for the jazz-influenced chord voicings and melodic movement
Guitar fills and smooth melodic lines between chord changes
C#m7 chord passages and minor-inflected fills
The harmonic character shaping E major
Understand major chord construction and voicings
Primary Chords Used
Scale Patterns in E major
E major scale
Notes: E - F# - G# - A - B - C# - D# - E
Application: Foundation for the jazz-influenced chord voicings and melodic movement
Interactive Fretboard Map
Chord Progressions & Movement
Main Progression
Sophisticated two-chord vamp using seventh chord voicings that create the smooth, jazzy feel central to the song's character
💡 Theory Insight:
This progression creates a specific harmonic movement that defines the song's emotional character. Understanding the relationship between these chords helps in improvisation and songwriting.
Chord Shapes In This Section:
Emaj7
C#m7
Harmonic Functions & Roles:
- Emaj7 (Imaj7)Tonic major seventh providing warm, sophisticated harmonic foundation
- C#m7 (vi7)Relative minor seventh creating smooth, jazzy contrast without tension
- Amaj7 (IVmaj7)Subdominant seventh adding harmonic richness in the bridge
- B7 (V7)Dominant seventh providing gentle resolution back to Emaj7
Key Techniques
Jazz/Soul Chord Voicings
IntermediateExtended chord shapes using major seventh and minor seventh voicings that define the sophisticated harmonic language of Motown soul
Uses chords:
Progression:
Emaj7 - C#m7 (Main), Amaj7 - B7 - Emaj7 (Bridge)
Technique Tips:
- •Practice each seventh chord shape in isolation until it rings cleanly
- •Listen for the 7th note in each chord - it defines the soul/jazz quality
- •Use the open string voicings where possible for a richer, more resonant sound
- •The Emaj7 to C#m7 change should feel effortless - minimize finger movement
Barre Chord Technique
IntermediateUsing barre chord voicings for the C#m7 and bridge chords, requiring clean fretting across multiple strings with the index finger
Uses chords:
Progression:
Emaj7 - C#m7
Technique Tips:
- •Place the index finger close to the fret wire for cleaner barring
- •Use the edge of the index finger rather than the flat pad for better pressure
- •If the full barre is too difficult, use the simplified open-string voicing
- •Build barre chord endurance gradually to avoid hand strain
Smooth Rhythm Comping
IntermediateGentle, flowing rhythm guitar pattern with subtle rhythmic variation that supports the vocal and horn arrangements without dominating the mix
Uses chords:
Progression:
Emaj7 - C#m7
Technique Tips:
- •Listen to the original recording to internalize the laid-back groove
- •The guitar should blend with the arrangement, not stand out
- •Practice with a drum loop or backing track for proper feel
- •Less is more - restraint creates the sophisticated soul sound
Practice Exercises
Scale and technique exercises in the key of E major. Switch instrument sounds (Acoustic Steel, Nylon, Clean Electric, Piano) and practice at your own tempo.
Intro
Smooth Emaj7 to C#m7 Motown Soul Stabs
The intro features overlapping party conversation and conga rhythms with gentle guitar chord stabs establishing the Emaj7 tonality before the full band enters
- •The guitar enters subtly underneath the spoken conversation
- •Use very gentle strumming or arpeggiated chord voicings
- •Let the seventh chord tones ring clearly to establish the harmonic foundation
Verse
Silky R&B Emaj7-C#m7 Comping Groove
The verse settles into the two-chord Emaj7-C#m7 groove with the guitar providing a supportive rhythmic bed under Marvin Gaye's layered vocal harmonies
- •The guitar sits back in the mix, supporting the vocal layers
- •Use a smooth, consistent rhythm without sudden dynamic changes
- •Let the chord voicings ring and blend with the saxophones and strings
Chorus
Soaring Soul Chorus Rhythm Bed
The chorus continues the Emaj7-C#m7 movement with slightly increased rhythmic energy and fuller strumming as the vocal melody soars
- •Add slightly more rhythmic emphasis on the chord accents
- •The strumming can be a touch fuller but still restrained
- •Follow the emotional arc of the vocal melody with subtle dynamics
Bridge
Harmonic Modulation Amaj7-B7 Bridge
The bridge introduces the Amaj7 and B7 chords for harmonic contrast, building tension before gracefully returning to the main Emaj7-C#m7 vamp
- •The Amaj7 provides a warm subdominant lift away from the main vamp
- •B7 creates gentle dominant tension that resolves back to Emaj7
- •Transition smoothly between the bridge chords with no rushed changes
Outro
Soulful Outro Vamp Fade
The outro rides on the main chord vamp with ad-lib vocals and saxophone, the guitar maintaining its supportive role as the song fades with layered vocal improvisations
- •Continue the steady rhythm comping pattern through the fade-out
- •Gradually reduce volume and intensity as the song fades
- •The guitar remains consistent while other instruments ad-lib over the top
Scale Practice Exercise
E Major Pentatonic Soul Lead Run
Two-octave E major pentatonic scale run connecting the 11th through 14th frets matching the tonal foundation of What's Going On
- •Practice the Major Pentatonic Scale Exercise with a metronome
- •Focus on clean alternate picking across all 6 strings
- •Connect the scale degrees with the song's vocal melody and guitar riffs
Equipment & Tone Setup
🎸 Guitar
Recommended Model:
Pickup Type:
Neck humbucker or P-90 for warm, jazzy tone with smooth high-end rolloff
Alternative Models:
⚡ Amplifier & Settings
Recommended Amp:
Tone Stack Dial-In:
Gain: 2-3 (completely clean, warm tone)
Treble: 4 (rolled off for smoothness)
Middle: 6 (warm midrange emphasis)
Bass: 5 (full but controlled low end)
Presence: 3 (smooth, not bright or harsh)
Alternative Amps:
🎛️ Effects Pedals
Overdrive / Distortion:
None - clean tone is essential for the soul/jazz sound
Reverb / Delay:
Light spring or plate reverb for subtle warmth and space
Modulation / Other:
Optional subtle chorus for added thickness; tone knob rolled back to 6-7 on guitar
Recommended Learning Path
⏱️ 2-3 weeks
- •Master the open Emaj7 voicing (0-2-1-1-0-0) until it rings cleanly
- •Learn the simplified C#m7 voicing (X-4-2-4-0-0) or barre version
- •Practice transitioning between Emaj7 and C#m7 slowly with a metronome
- •Strum the two-chord vamp with a simple down-up pattern at slow tempo
⏱️ 3-4 weeks
- •Refine the strumming pattern with backbeat emphasis on beats 2 and 4
- •Add ghost strums between accented beats for rhythmic texture
- •Learn the Amaj7 and B7 chord voicings for the bridge section
- •Play through the full song structure with smooth section transitions
⏱️ 4-6 weeks
- •Explore alternative voicings for Emaj7 and C#m7 up the neck
- •Add subtle chord melody fills between strums using scale tones
- •Achieve the warm, round tone with proper amp and guitar settings
- •Perform with dynamics and musical sensitivity matching the original arrangement
Practice Notes & Routine
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Using basic major and minor chords instead of the essential seventh voicings
- •Playing too loudly or forcefully - this song requires restraint and subtlety
- •Rushing the tempo and losing the relaxed, contemplative groove
- •Neglecting the smooth quality of chord transitions in favor of speed
⏱️ Targeted Practice Routine
- •Warm up with major seventh and minor seventh chord shapes across the neck for 5 minutes
- •Practice the Emaj7 to C#m7 transition focusing on seamless movement
- •Work on the backbeat strumming feel with a metronome at 80 BPM
- •Gradually increase tempo to 98 BPM while maintaining the smooth, jazzy feel
- •Play along with the original recording focusing on blending with the arrangement
🎯 Key Focus Areas
- •Clean seventh chord voicings with all notes ringing clearly
- •Smooth, gap-free chord transitions between Emaj7 and C#m7
- •Backbeat rhythmic feel with subtle dynamic variation
- •Warm, clean tone appropriate to the soul/jazz genre
⏱️ Metronome Drills
- •Start at 70 BPM strumming each seventh chord for four beats
- •Increase to 80 BPM with chord changes every two beats
- •Add the backbeat accent pattern at 90 BPM
- •Reach target tempo of 98 BPM with the complete rhythmic feel