Do Re MiC D E

Rockin' Chair

Carmichael Hoagy4/4medium-swing

Chord Diagrams — Rockin' Chair in A# (Guitar)

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Rockin' Chair 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 perfect fourth), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to G# (ascending perfect fourth), G# to D (ascending tritone), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to G (ascending whole step), G to E (descending minor third), E to A (ascending perfect fourth), A to C (ascending minor third), C to A# (descending whole step), A# to D# (ascending 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 D# to A# by perfect fourth.

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.

medium-swing4/4 · 32 bars · Form: ABA

Chords: A♯maj7, Fm7, A♯7, D♯maj7, G♯7, Dm7, G7, C7, F7, Gm7, Em7♭5, A7♭9, Cm7, A♯6, D♯7.

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

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