On The Sunny Side Of The Street in B
On The Sunny Side Of The Street in B
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 B
B major mixes barre and open elements. The B chord itself is a barre at fret 2, but E and A are comfortable open chords forming the IV and V. The open B string rings as the root, allowing creative drone-based arrangements. B is a intermediate-level key on guitar because the open B string rings as the root and the open E strings provide the 4th — useful for sus4 voicings and drone effects. This key mixes open and barre shapes, making it a good intermediate challenge that builds fretboard fluency.
Voice Leading
The bass line moves through B to D# (ascending major third), D# to E (ascending half step), E to F# (ascending whole step), F# to F# (ascending unison), F# to B (ascending perfect fourth), B to E (ascending perfect fourth), E to C# (descending minor third), C# to B (descending whole step), B to G# (descending minor third), G# to C# (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 C# to B by whole step.
Scales for Improvisation
B 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, B Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.