Go Down Moses in A#

Traditional()swing
Do Re MiC D E
A
A♯m/F
A♯m/F
A♯m/F

Chord Diagrams — Go Down Moses in A# (Guitar)

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FingerNoteDegree

Go Down Moses 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 F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to A# (descending perfect fourth), A# to F# (descending major third), F# to C# (descending 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 C# to F 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.

swing4/4 · 17 bars · Form: A

Chords: F7, A♯m, D♯m, A♯m/F, F♯, C♯.

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

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