# Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra Source: https://pitchhighway.com/songs/frank-sinatra-fly-me-to-the-moon Site: PitchHighway — learn to sing your favorite songs (https://pitchhighway.com) --- ## Measured data - Key: C major (commonly cited) - Vocal phrasing tempo: ~107 BPM (median pace of the sung phrases, measured from real uploads — it can sit below the song's beat BPM on sustained passages) - Vocal range: B2–G#4 (21 semitones) - Tessitura (middle 50% of sung time): F3–B3 - Longest note: C4 held 2.6s - Difficulty: medium - Range fit: fits inside 33% of the 4179 vocal ranges measured on PitchHighway (whole-octave shift allowed) --- ## Fly Me to the Moon: key, range, and difficulty Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon,” recorded with Count Basie and His Orchestra, is a jazz standard with a clear, measured vocal line. This page covers the recording’s commonly cited key, the vocal range measured from the song, who may find it comfortable, and how to practice its phrases. The measured range runs from B2 to G#4, with most of the vocal line sitting between F3 and B3. Its phrasing tempo is about 107 BPM, and the measured difficulty is medium. ## What makes it easy or hard to sing The 21-semitone span from B2 to G#4 asks a singer to manage both low notes and a climb into the upper register. The tessitura, or range where most notes sit, is much narrower: F3 to B3. That distinction matters. A singer may spend much of the song in a comfortable lower area, but still need to prepare for notes near the top of the full range. A lower note can also be difficult if it falls below the singer’s natural speaking register; don’t force it by pressing the throat or dropping the chin. At about 107 BPM, the measured phrasing tempo gives the lines a steady pulse without making the song a fast-note exercise. The vocal line averages 0.6 notes per second, so there is room to focus on pitch, clear consonants, and relaxed breath timing. The longest measured note lasts 2.6 seconds at C4. That duration calls for steady airflow, but it is short enough that singers can work on an even tone rather than trying to conserve breath for a very long sustain. The medium difficulty rating fits a song where the individual phrases are not especially dense, but pitch control across a wide range and a consistent, relaxed delivery still take practice. ## Who it suits The concentration of notes between F3 and B3 makes the song a natural starting point for many baritones and lower tenors. Singers should check the low B2 and upper G#4 against their own comfortable range rather than judging fit only by the tessitura. If B2 feels too low, try a lighter tone and avoid pushing for volume. If G#4 feels tight, practice the approach to it at a moderate volume before singing the full phrase. Singers with a higher voice can still work on the song, especially if the lower notes remain clear and resonant. A singer whose comfortable range sits above the measured tessitura may prefer a transposed version. The goal is not to copy Sinatra’s vocal color; aim for accurate pitches, clean phrase endings, and a steady sound that fits your voice. ## How to practice it Start by singing the low section of your range gently. Use a short warm-up that moves through notes around B2 to F3, then check that you can sing the lowest part without turning it into a breathy whisper or a strained growl. Keep your jaw loose and let the tone stay comfortable. Work upward in small steps toward the song’s upper notes, pausing if your throat tightens. Next, divide the song into short phrases. Sing each phrase slowly enough to place the pitches accurately, then return to the measured pulse of about 107 BPM. Since the line averages 0.6 notes per second, avoid rushing between notes; give each pitch a clear center before moving on. Mark where you need to breathe, and take a quiet breath before you run out of air instead of snatching one at the end of a phrase. Practice the C4 sustain separately. Begin with a comfortable breath, keep the volume even for the measured 2.6 seconds, and release without letting the pitch sag. Then connect that note to the surrounding phrase so it sounds natural. Record a take and listen for low notes that lose clarity, upper notes that sound pressed, and phrase endings that fade too early. Repeat only the section that needs attention, then join it to the next phrase. To practice the song in manageable sections, upload the song to PitchHighway and learn it phrase by phrase.