Bemsha Swing in Si

Bemsha Swing in Si

Monk and Denzil Best's collaborative groove piece channels Monk's rhythmic wit through Mixolydian and Lydian Dominant color over a loping B swing. The deceptively simple head conceals harmonic surprises that reward careful listening and internalization. Study the B7 – D7 – C#7 – G7 changes to develop command of Lydian Dominant dominant color in a swinging context.

Bemsha Swing in Si

B major mixes barre and open elements. The B chord itself is a barre at fret 2, but E and A are comfortable open chords forming the IV and V. The open B string rings as the root, allowing creative drone-based arrangements. B is a intermediate-level key on guitar because the open B string rings as the root and the open E strings provide the 4th — useful for sus4 voicings and drone effects. This key mixes open and barre shapes, making it a good intermediate challenge that builds fretboard fluency.

Voice Leading

The bass line moves through B to D (ascending minor third), D to C# (descending half step), C# to G (ascending tritone). 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 G to B by major third.

Scales for Improvisation

B 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, B Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.