E. S. P. in A

Wayne Shorter(1964)swing

E. S. P. 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 G# to A (ascending half step), A to G (descending whole step), G to F# (descending half step), F# to F# (ascending unison), F# to B (ascending perfect fourth), B to B (ascending unison), B to A# (descending half step), A# to F (descending perfect fourth), F to F (ascending unison), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth). 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.

swing4/4 · 32 bars · Form: A

Chords: G♯7, AMaj7, GMaj7, F♯7, F♯m9, B7, Bm7, A♯Maj7, F9, Fm7, A♯7.

Scales for Improvisation A bebop, A bebop major.

Diatonic chords: See all chords in the key of A