Over The Rainbow in A#

Harold Arlen(1939)swing
Do Re MiC D E
A
B

Chord Diagrams — Over The Rainbow in A# (Guitar)

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Over The Rainbow 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 A# to G (descending minor third), G to D (descending perfect fourth), D to A# (descending major third), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to E (ascending half step), E to G (ascending minor third), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to G# (descending major third), G# to F (descending minor third), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to E (ascending tritone), E to A (ascending perfect fourth), A to C# (ascending major third), C# to A (descending major third). 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 A to A# by half 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.

swing4/4 · 25 bars · Form: AB

Chords: A♯, Gm7, Dm7, A♯Maj7, D♯Maj7, Edim7, G7, Cm7, G♯7, F7, A♯6, Em7♭5, A7, C♯dim7, A7♭9.

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

Diatonic chords: See all chords in the key of A#