Lover in A#

Richard Rodgers / Lorenz Hart(1932)swing
Do Re MiC D E
A
B

Chord Diagrams — Lover in A# (Guitar)

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Lover 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 A (descending half step), A to G# (descending half step), G# to G (descending half step), G to F# (descending half step), F# to F (descending half step), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to C (ascending whole step), C to E (ascending major third), E to D (descending whole step), D to D# (ascending half step), D# to F (ascending whole step), F to F# (ascending half step), F# to G (ascending half step), G to C (ascending 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 C to A# by whole step.

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.

swing3/4 · 52 bars · Form: AB

Chords: A♯7, A7, G♯7, G7, F♯7, F7, A♯, C7, Em7, D, D♯dim, F, F♯dim, Gm7, Cm7.

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

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