Quasimodo in A#

Charlie Parker(1947)swing
Do Re MiC D E
A
F13
DmMaj7add9add11add13
G7♯5
F13♭9

Chord Diagrams — Quasimodo in A# (Guitar)

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Quasimodo 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 F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to A (descending half step), A to C (ascending minor third), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to G (ascending whole step), G to D (descending perfect fourth), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to E (descending minor third), E to D (descending whole step), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to D (descending minor third), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to F (descending whole step), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to A (ascending tritone), A to E (descending perfect fourth), E to D# (descending half step), D# to A# (descending perfect fourth), A# to C (ascending whole step), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to F (ascending unison). 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 F by unison.

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 · 34 bars · Form: A

Chords: F13, A♯Maj7, A7, Cm7, F7, G7♭9, D7, Gm7, Em7, DmMaj7add9add11add13, G7♭5, C7, F6, Dm7, G7♯5, Fm7, A♯7, D♯6, Am7, Em7♭5, D♯m6, A♯6, Cm7♭5, F7♭9, F13♭9.

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

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