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How Insensitive in A#
How Insensitive in A#: Jobim's bossa nova elegy descends chromatically through Melodic Minor and Harmonic Minor territory. Phrygian-flavored dominant chords give the harmony its Brazilian melancholy — keep lines close to the melody. Chords: A#m – Adim7 – G#m6 – D#7/G – F#maj7 – Bmaj7#11 – Cm7b5 – F7b9 – A7 – Gdim7 – G#m7 – C#7 – Gm7 – C7b9.
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 A# to A (descending half step), A to G# (descending half step), G# to D# (descending perfect fourth), D# to F# (ascending minor third), F# to B (ascending perfect fourth), B to C (ascending half step), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to A (ascending major third), A to G (descending whole step), G to G# (ascending half step), G# to C# (ascending perfect fourth), C# to G (ascending tritone), G to C (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 C to A# 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.