Aisha in A#

McCoy Tyner()swing
Do Re MiC D E
A
B

Chord Diagrams — Aisha in A# (Guitar)

Display
FingerNoteDegree

Aisha in A#

Key of A#

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 C to D (ascending whole step), D to A# (descending major third), A# to G# (descending whole step), G# to C# (ascending perfect fourth), C# to A# (descending minor third), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to F (ascending whole step), F to D# (descending whole step), D# to G (ascending major third), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to E (ascending major third), E to A (ascending perfect fourth), A to D (ascending perfect fourth), D to F# (ascending major third), F# to A (ascending minor third), A to C# (ascending major third). The root motion by larger intervals (fourths and fifths) gives each chord change a strong, decisive character. When the progression loops, the bass returns from C# to C by half step.

Scales for Improvisation

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.

swing4/4 · 29 bars · Form: AB

Chords: Cm7, Dm7, A♯m7, G♯m7, C♯7♭5, A♯7, D♯7♭9, F7, D♯7, G7, CMaj7, E7, A7, DMaj7, F♯Maj7, AMaj7, C♯7.

Scales for Improvisation A# bebop, A# bebop major.

Diatonic chords: See all chords in the key of A#