If I Love Again in A#

Ben Oakland / J. P. Murray(1933)swing
Do Re MiC D E
A

Chord Diagrams — If I Love Again in A# (Guitar)

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If I Love Again 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 C (ascending whole step), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to D (descending minor third), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to G (ascending unison), G to A (ascending whole step), A to D (ascending perfect fourth), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to C (descending perfect fourth), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to E (descending half step), E to D# (descending half step), D# to G (ascending major third), G to F (descending whole step). 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 F 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.

swing4/4 · 36 bars · Form: A

Chords: A♯, Cm, F7, Dm7♭5, G7♯9, Gm, Am7♭5, D7♯9, Gm7♭5, C7♯9, Fm, Cm7♭5, F7♭9, Em7♭5, D♯m, G7♭9, F7♯9.

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

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