Moonlight in Vermont in G#

John Blackburn / Karl Suessdorf(1944)swing
Do Re MiC D E
A
B

Chord Diagrams — Moonlight in Vermont in G# (Guitar)

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Moonlight in Vermont in G#

Key of G#

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

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.

swing4/4 · 22 bars · Form: AB

Chords: G♯, Fm7, A♯m7, D♯7, F♯7, Dm7, G7, C, Am7, D♯m7, G♯7, C♯, A♯7♯11, A7, G♯Maj7.

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

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