Blue Moon in A

R. Rodgers()swing
Do Re MiC D E
A
B

Chord Diagrams — Blue Moon in A (Guitar)

Display
FingerNoteDegree

Blue Moon 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 A to F# (descending minor third), F# to B (ascending perfect fourth), B to E (ascending perfect fourth), E to G (ascending minor third), G to F# (descending half step), F# to F (descending half step), F to A (ascending major third), A to A (ascending unison), A to D (ascending perfect fourth), D to C# (descending half step), C# to D# (ascending whole step), D# to D (descending half step), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to E (ascending major third), E to B (descending perfect fourth). 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 B to A by whole 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 · 27 bars · Form: AB

Chords: AMaj7, F♯m7, Bm7, E7, G7♭5, F♯7♭9, F7♯5, A6, A, D7, C♯m7♭5, D♯7♯5, Dm7, G7, CMaj7, E7/B, B7.

Scales for Improvisation A bebop, A bebop major.

Diatonic chords: See all chords in the key of A