Lulu's Back In Town in A#

Al Dubin / Harry Warren(1935)swing

Lulu's Back In Town 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 G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to A# (ascending unison), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to E (ascending half step), E to C (descending major third), C to G# (descending major third), G# to B (ascending minor third). 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 B to G by major 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.

swing4/4 · 25 bars · Form: AB

Chords: G7, C7, F7, A♯, A♯7, D♯, Edim, C9, G♯7, B7.

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

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