How Insensitive in A#

A. C. Jobim()bossa-nova
Do Re MiC D E
A
F7/A
D♯7/G
Gm11
D♯m6/F♯

Chord Diagrams — How Insensitive in A# (Guitar)

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

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.

bossa-nova4/4 · 32 bars · Form: A

Chords: A♯m7, F7/A, G♯m6, D♯7/G, F♯6, BMaj7, Cm7♭5, F7♭9, A7, G♯m7, C♯9, Gm7♭5, F♯Maj7, F7, Gm11, C7♭9, D♯m6/F♯.

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

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