All The Things You Are in A#
All The Things You Are in A#
The A# version of All The Things You Are: a masterclass in sequential modulation through Ab, C, Eb, and G tonal centers. Bebop Major scales unlock each new key center; Lydian colors the IV chords beautifully. Changes: Gm7 – Cm7 – F7 – A#Maj7 – D#Maj7 – A7 – DMaj7 – Dm7 – C7 – FMaj7 – E7 – AMaj7 – Bm7 – G#m7 – C#7 – F#Maj7 – D7#5 – D#m7 – C#dim7 – D7.
All The Things You Are in 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 G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to A (ascending tritone), A to D (ascending perfect fourth), D to D (ascending unison), D to C (descending whole step), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to E (descending half step), E to A (ascending perfect fourth), A to B (ascending whole step), B to G# (descending minor third), G# to C# (ascending perfect fourth), C# to F# (ascending perfect fourth), F# to D (descending major third), D to D# (ascending half step), D# to C# (descending whole step), C# to D (ascending half step). A half-step bass movement creates a strong leading-tone pull that demands resolution. 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 D to G by perfect fourth.
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.