What key is I'll Be Seeing You in?

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

swing2/2 · 33 bars · Form: ABA'C

Chords: La♯, Re7, Dom, Sol7, Fa7, Dom7, Do♯dim7, Solm7, Fa7♯5, La♯6, Fa9♯5, Lam7♭5, Do9, Re♯m6, Sim7.

Scales for Improvisation La# bebop, La# bebop major.