Donna Lee in A#
Donna Lee in A#
A# Donna Lee: Charlie Parker's blazing bebop head built on rhythm changes with rapid-fire ii-V sequences through multiple keys. Bebop Major and Mixolydian are essential — clarity at speed is the challenge. Changes: A# – G7 – C7 – Cm7 – F7 – Fm7 – E7 – D# – D#m7 – D7 – Gm – D7#9 – A#dim.
Donna Lee 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 A# to G (descending minor third), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to C (ascending unison), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to F (ascending unison), F to E (descending half step), E to D# (descending half step), D# to D# (ascending unison), D# to D (descending half step), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to D (descending perfect fourth), D to A# (descending major third). A half-step bass movement creates a strong leading-tone pull that demands resolution. The mix of stepwise and leap motion balances smoothness with harmonic drive. When the progression loops, the bass returns from A# to A# by unison.
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.