I Remember Clifford

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

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.