Robbin's Nest in A#

Illinois Jacques / Sir Charles Thompson(1947)swing
Do Re MiC D E
A
B

Chord Diagrams — Robbin's Nest in A# (Guitar)

Display
FingerNoteDegree

Robbin's Nest 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 F# (descending major third), F# to D (descending major third), D to C# (descending half step), C# to C (descending half step), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to G (descending minor third), G to D (descending perfect fourth), D to C (descending whole step). 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 A# 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.

swing4/4 · 31 bars · Form: AB

Chords: A♯6, F♯9, Dm7, C♯dim, Cm7, F7, A♯, G7, D7, C7.

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

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