What key is My Ship in?

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

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.

ballad4/4 · 56 bars · Form: AABA

Chords: La♯, Sol7, Dom7, Fa7, Dom, Re7, Solm, Re♯, Solm7, Dom7♭5, Fa♯7, La7, Rem, Do7, Dodim7, Fa9.

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