Let's Call The Whole Thing Off in A#

George Gershwin()swingBrightly
Do Re MiC D E
A
A
'
B
A
'
'
A♯7/f
D♯m/F♯
A♯7/f
D♯m/F♯
A♯7/f
D♯m/F♯

Chord Diagrams — Let's Call The Whole Thing Off in A# (Guitar)

Display
FingerNoteDegree

Let's Call The Whole Thing Off in A#

Let's Call The Whole Thing Off in 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 G (descending minor third), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to G (ascending major third), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to E (ascending major third), E to A (ascending perfect fourth), 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.

swing2/2 · 32 bars · Form: AA'BA''

Chords: A♯, Gm9, Cm7, F7, A♯7/f, D♯m/F♯, Gm, C7, Em7♭5, A7, Dm7, G7.

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

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