What key is It Never Entered My Mind in?

G# major (or Ab) lives at fret 4 on the low E string. All chords require barre technique, making it less common in guitar-centric songwriting but standard in piano-driven pop. Guitarists often use a capo to access friendlier shapes. G# is a intermediate-advanced-level key on guitar because the open G string is a half step below the root, creating dissonance — avoid letting it ring. Expect to rely on barre chords throughout, which builds hand strength and unlocks the entire fretboard.

Voice Leading

The bass line moves through G# to C (ascending major third), C to C (ascending unison), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to D# (ascending unison), D# to G# (ascending perfect fourth), G# to G# (ascending unison), G# to A# (ascending whole step), A# to D (ascending major third), D to C# (descending half step), C# to C (descending half step). A half-step bass movement creates a strong leading-tone pull that demands resolution. The mix of stepwise and leap motion balances smoothness with harmonic drive. When the progression loops, the bass returns from C to G# by major third.

Scales for Improvisation

G# 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, G# Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.

ballad4/4 · 41 bars · Form: AABA

Chords: Sol♯, Dom, Dom7♭5, Fa7, La♯m7, Re♯711, Re♯7, Sol♯Maj7, Sol♯6, La♯7, Redim7, Do♯, Dom7.

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