Explore More
Put on a Happy Face in A
Key of A
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 D to A (descending perfect fourth), A to F# (descending minor third), F# to C# (descending perfect fourth), C# to E (ascending minor third), E to B (descending perfect fourth), B to E (ascending perfect fourth), E to A (ascending perfect fourth), A to E (descending perfect fourth), E to F# (ascending whole step), F# to C# (descending perfect fourth), C# to B (descending whole step), B to A (descending whole step), A to D# (ascending tritone), D# to F# (ascending minor third), F# to A (ascending minor third), A to C# (ascending major third), C# to B (descending whole step), B to B (ascending unison), B to E (ascending perfect fourth), E to E (ascending unison), E to A (ascending perfect fourth), A to E (descending perfect fourth). 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 E 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.