I'll Remember April in La#

I'll Remember April in La#

I'll Remember April in A#: this pop standard turned jazz vehicle moves from a bright major opening to minor mid-section. Bebop Major and Dorian cover the two contrasting tonal areas — Mixolydian drives the dominant passages throughout. Chords: A#Maj7 – A#m7 – Dm7 – G7 – CMaj7 – Cm7 – F7 – Am7b5 – D7b9 – Gm.

I'll Remember April in La#

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# (ascending unison), A# to D (ascending major third), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to C (ascending unison), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to A (ascending major third), A to D (ascending perfect fourth), D to G (ascending perfect fourth). 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 G to A# by minor third.

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.