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