Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me in A#

Carey Morgan()swing

Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me 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 D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to D (descending perfect fourth), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to G (descending perfect fourth), G to A (ascending whole step), A to E (descending perfect fourth), E to A (ascending perfect fourth), A to A (ascending unison), A to G (descending whole step), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to G (descending perfect fourth), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to F (ascending perfect fourth). 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 F to D 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.

swing4/4 · 32 bars · Form: AB

Chords: Dm, Gdim, D7, Gm, Cdim, Gm6, A7, E7, A, Adim, G7, C, Gm7, C7, F.

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

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