Explore More
All God's Chillun Got Rhythm in A
Key of A
A major is a rock and blues cornerstone. The open A string delivers a strong root, while both E strings ring as the fifth. Classic A-D-E progressions practically play themselves with open cowboy chords. The open high E is the fifth, reinforcing power. A is a beginner-level key on guitar because the open A string is the root and the open E strings provide the fifth above and below, creating a massive low-end anchor. Beginners will find this key approachable since most chords use open voicings with minimal stretching.
Voice Leading
The bass line moves through F# to A (ascending minor third), A to E (descending perfect fourth), E to B (descending perfect fourth), B to F# (descending perfect fourth), F# to C# (descending perfect fourth), C# to C# (ascending unison), C# to G# (descending perfect fourth), G# to D# (descending perfect fourth), D# to F# (ascending minor third), F# to C# (descending perfect fourth), C# to B (descending whole step), B to A (descending whole step). 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 A to F# by minor third.
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.