La# Alegrías Extended
iii – IV – V – IV – I – V7 – I progression in La# major
La# Alegrías Extended — iii – IV – V – IV – I – V7 – I
Extended Alegrias variation starting from the iii chord (G#m in E major). Creates a richer harmonic journey through IV and V before resolving. Documented by Granados as one of the characteristic harmonic structures for concert guitar alegrias.
Playing in La# major
A# (Bb) major requires barre chords rooted at fret 1 on the A string or fret 6 on the E string. Despite the barre demands, it is a common key in funk, New Orleans R&B, and brass band music. The open D string can ring as the major third for added color. A# is a intermediate-level key on guitar because the open D string is the major 3rd of Bb, adding a bright color if allowed to ring. Expect to rely on barre chords throughout, which builds hand strength and unlocks the entire fretboard.
Voice Leading
The bass line moves through D to D# (ascending half step), D# to F (ascending whole step), F to D# (descending whole step), D# to A# (descending perfect fourth), A# to F (descending perfect fourth), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth). A half-step bass movement creates a strong leading-tone pull that demands resolution. The mix of stepwise and leap motion balances smoothness with harmonic drive. When the progression loops, the bass returns from A# to D by major third.
Capo Transposition
To play in A# using familiar open chords: capo 1 with open A shapes; capo 3 with open G shapes; capo 6 with open E shapes. Choose the capo position that gives you the voicings you prefer — lower capo positions produce a fuller sound, while higher positions create a brighter, mandolin-like timbre.
Scales for Soloing
A# major pentatonic works because every note is either a chord tone or a safe passing tone — there are no avoid notes. For soloing, this means you can play freely without clashing. Over dominant seventh chords, A# Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.
Strumming Pattern
Try a D-D-DU waltz pattern at 80-100 BPM. Accent beat 1 strongly and keep beats 2-3 lighter. For fingerpicking, use a bass-pluck-pluck pattern with alternating bass notes.