What key is Don't Get Around Much Anymore in?

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 A# to G (descending minor third), G to A (ascending whole step), A to A# (ascending half step), A# to G (descending minor third), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to C# (descending major third), C# to C (descending half step), C to A# (descending whole step), A# to F (descending perfect fourth), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to G# (ascending perfect fourth), G# to A# (ascending whole step), A# to A# (ascending unison), A# to E (ascending tritone), E to A (ascending perfect fourth), A to D (ascending 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 D to A# by major 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.

swing2/2 · 52 bars · Form: AABA

Chords: La♯, Sol, Lam7, La♯dim7, Sol7/cis, Do7, Fa7, Do♯dim7, Dom7, La♯7♯9, Fam7, La♯7, Re♯6, Sol♯9, La♯Maj7, La♯7♯5, Mi7♭5, La7, Rem7.

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