Who composed Don't Explain?

Don't Explain was composed by Billie Holiday. It is a ballad standard in 4/4 time. The original key is F; this page shows it transposed to A#.

What key is Don't Explain in?

The original key of Don't Explain is F. The form is AABA with 32 bars. This page shows the chart transposed to A#.

What scales work for improvising over Don't Explain?

Recommended scales for Don't Explain in A#: bebop, bebop major. Scales and arpeggios update in real-time as each chord plays, with context-aware analysis (e.g., Phrygian Dominant over secondary dominants).

How does the interactive backing track work?

The backing track plays with realistic walking bass, drum patterns, and voice-led chord voicings. Scales and arpeggios update in real-time as each chord plays. You can limit the fretboard zone for close-proximity voicings, toggle a reference melody, loop any section, and choose between multiple sound presets. Works for guitar, piano, bass, ukulele, and 7 more instruments.

Can I edit the chord chart?

Yes. You can modify the structure, chords, and arrangement of any standard to match your preferred version or create your own reharmonization.

Don't Explain in A#

Billie Holiday()balladSlowly

Do Re MiC D E

BPM: 120

Chord Diagrams — Don't Explain in A# (Guitar)

Display

FingerNoteDegree

Chord Voicings Closest Voicing

Gm/c

Cm6/D♯

A7/b

D♯7♭5

G♯9

G9♯5

G7♯5♭9

D♯m6/F♯

Don't Explain 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 G (ascending unison), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to D (ascending whole step), D to A (descending perfect fourth), A to D# (ascending tritone), D# to D (descending half step), D to G# (ascending tritone), G# to G (descending half step), G to G (ascending unison), G to F# (descending half step), F# to F (descending half step), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to D (descending half step), D to D# (ascending half step), D# to F (ascending whole step), F to D# (descending whole step), D# to G (ascending major third), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to A (ascending major third). A half-step bass movement creates a strong leading-tone pull that demands resolution. The predominantly stepwise bass motion creates smooth, connected voice leading. When the progression loops, the bass returns from A to G 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.

ballad4/4 · 32 bars · Form: AABA

Chords: Gm, Gm/c, Cm6/D♯, D7, A7/b, D♯7♭5, D9, G♯9, G9♯5, G7♯5♭9, F♯9, F9, A♯Maj7, D♯Maj7, Dm7, D♯m6/F♯, F7♭9, D♯7, Gm7, Cm7, F7, Am7♭5.

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

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