On The Sunny Side Of The Street in La

On The Sunny Side Of The Street in La

This optimistic swing standard supports Mixolydian phrasing over the dominant seventh chords, Blues scale expression on the bluesy passages, and Bebop Major lines for forward-driving melodic momentum. The bright, extroverted character of the tune demands rhythmic confidence and an uplifting melodic approach. One of the most feel-good vehicles in the jazz standard repertoire.

On The Sunny Side Of The Street in La

A major is a rock and blues cornerstone. The open A string delivers a strong root, while both E strings ring as the fifth. Classic A-D-E progressions practically play themselves with open cowboy chords. The open high E is the fifth, reinforcing power. A is a beginner-level key on guitar because the open A string is the root and the open E strings provide the fifth above and below, creating a massive low-end anchor. Beginners will find this key approachable since most chords use open voicings with minimal stretching.

Voice Leading

The bass line moves through A to C# (ascending major third), C# to D (ascending half step), D to E (ascending whole step), E to E (ascending unison), E to A (ascending perfect fourth), A to D (ascending perfect fourth), D to B (descending minor third), B to A (descending whole step), A to F# (descending minor third), F# to B (ascending perfect fourth). 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 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.