Who composed Strang Fruit?

Strang Fruit was composed by Lewis Allan. It is a swing standard in 4/4 time. The original key is C; this page shows it transposed to C#.

What key is Strang Fruit in?

The original key of Strang Fruit is C. The form is A with 31 bars. This page shows the chart transposed to C#.

What scales work for improvising over Strang Fruit?

Recommended scales for Strang Fruit in C#: bebop minor, bebop. Scales and arpeggios update in real-time as each chord plays, with context-aware analysis (e.g., Phrygian Dominant over secondary dominants).

How does the interactive backing track work?

The backing track plays with realistic walking bass, drum patterns, and voice-led chord voicings. Scales and arpeggios update in real-time as each chord plays. You can limit the fretboard zone for close-proximity voicings, toggle a reference melody, loop any section, and choose between multiple sound presets. Works for guitar, piano, bass, ukulele, and 7 more instruments.

Can I edit the chord chart?

Yes. You can modify the structure, chords, and arrangement of any standard to match your preferred version or create your own reharmonization.

Strang Fruit in C#

Lewis Allan()swingAndante Moderato

Do Re MiC D E

BPM: 120

Chord Diagrams — Strang Fruit in C# (Guitar)

Display

FingerNoteDegree

Chord Voicings Closest Voicing

G♯7♯5

G♯7/d

C♯m/E

G♯7♭9/f

G♯7♭9/d

G♯7♭9/b

C♯m/B

AMaj7

C♯m/g

D69

Strang Fruit in C#

C# major (or Db) sits in barre chord territory across the fretboard. Every chord demands precise barring, but the payoff is a bright, crystalline sound a half step above C that cuts through a band mix. C# is a intermediate-advanced-level key on guitar because no open strings fall within the key naturally, so every chord requires full barre technique. Expect to rely on barre chords throughout, which builds hand strength and unlocks the entire fretboard.

Voice Leading

The bass line moves through C# to G# (descending perfect fourth), G# to G# (ascending unison), G# to D# (descending perfect fourth), D# to G# (ascending perfect fourth), G# to D# (descending perfect fourth), D# to G# (ascending perfect fourth), G# to C# (ascending perfect fourth), C# to G# (descending perfect fourth), G# to G# (ascending unison), G# to G# (ascending unison), G# to C# (ascending perfect fourth), C# to A (descending major third), A to C# (ascending major third), C# to D (ascending half 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 D to C# by half step.

Scales for Improvisation

C# 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, C# Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.

swing4/4 · 31 bars · Form: A

Chords: C♯m, G♯7♯5, G♯7, D♯m7♭5, G♯7♭9, D♯m7, G♯7/d, C♯m/E, G♯7♭9/f, G♯7♭9/d, G♯7♭9/b, C♯m/B, AMaj7, C♯m/g, D69.

Scales for Improvisation C# bebop minor, C# bebop.

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