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BEE GEES
HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE

Guitar 1: Acoustic
Format
 

SV-TABS

Intensity
  

INTERMEDIATE

About the Track

David Martin co-wrote this song with Chris Arnold and Geoff Morrow, releasing the original version as a single in 1975. Although his rendition went largely unnoticed, the following year saw both the Carpenters and Engelbert Humperdinck record their own versions—neither of which were released as singles. Eventually, Clive Davis, head of Barry Manilow's label, encouraged Manilow to record it. Released as the lead single from his 1978 album Even Now, Manilow’s version became a hit, reaching #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart and #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Performance Notes

The thing that sort of defined Barry Manilow songs was the way he would transpose the songs as most of his songs progressed. This song is no exception - it modulates 3 times, going from the Key of G to the Key of Bb!
The good news is that none of the chords are too terribly hard - a couple of challenging barre chords is about it.

Manilowing the Song

David Martin’s original version had strings, sure—but it was about as exciting as a polite round of golf. When Barry Manilow first heard it, he thought it was too simple, too commercial, and probably best suited for background music at a dentist's office. But Clive Davis wasn’t having it. He insisted Barry record it. So, Barry did what Barry does best: he Manilow-ized it.


He cranked it up into full showbiz mode—lush strings, dramatic flair, and enough key changes to confuse a GPS. “I decided to treat it with a big smile,” Barry later said, “like a vaudeville number—with key changes, a whistle in the intro, and a real take-home ending.” Yes, you heard that right—a whistle. And for a brief, magical moment, Barry even considered throwing in a tap dance solo. Fred Astaire, eat your heart out.


In the end, the tap shoes stayed in the closet, but the whistle stayed in the song—replacing the keyboard notes from the original version. “I realized the song was absolutely irresistible,” Barry admitted. “So I kept the grin, dialed back the silliness just a little, and made a version I’m still proud of. Even without the tap dancing.”

Tailgate Version

When singing this song in a tailgate version, I wouldn't worry so much about the chord transpositions, as most of your listeners might not even be looking for the Key Changes. Simply get comfortable of the chord progression at the beginning and stay within that key, and you'll be fine!
Patrick Jones - Course author
MEET THE INSTRUCTOR

STAYCE ROBERTS

Electric, Acoustic and 12-String Guitars
With over 40 years of dedication to the instrument, Stayce has taken his love of songwriting, guitar playing and producing that allows him to bring a fresh, professional style to his Online Instructional Videos, making him a top tier instructor in song and lesson tutorials.