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One Note Samba in A#
One Note Samba in A#: Jobim's bossa nova gem oscillates between two adjacent chords with characteristic Lydian Dominant flavor. Dorian fits the minor moments while Major Pentatonic keeps the melodic lines light and playful. Chords: Dm7 – C#7 – Cm7 – B7#11 – Fm7 – A#7 – D#maj7 – G#7 – A#6 – D#m7 – C#maj7 – C#m7 – F#7 – Bmaj7 – Cm7b5 – F7.
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 half step), C# to C (descending half step), C to B (descending half step), B to F (ascending tritone), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to G# (ascending perfect fourth), G# to A# (ascending whole step), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to C# (descending whole step), C# to C# (ascending unison), C# to F# (ascending perfect fourth), F# to B (ascending perfect fourth), B to C (ascending half step), C to F (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 F to D by minor third.
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.