Who composed Greensleeves?

Greensleeves was composed by Traditional. It is a ballad standard in 6/8 time. The original key is E; this page shows it transposed to A#.

What key is Greensleeves in?

The original key of Greensleeves is E. The form is AA'BB' with 24 bars. This page shows the chart transposed to A#.

What scales work for improvising over Greensleeves?

Recommended scales for Greensleeves in A#: bebop minor, bebop. 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.

Greensleeves in A#

Traditional()balladSlowly

Do Re MiC D E

BPM: 120

Chord Diagrams — Greensleeves in A# (Guitar)

Display

FingerNoteDegree

Chord Voicings Closest Voicing

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

ballad6/8 · 24 bars · Form: AA'BB'

Chords: A♯m, G♯, Adim, C7, F, F7, D♯m, C♯.

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

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