Take Five in A#

Take Five in A#

Take Five in A#: Dave Brubeck's iconic 5/4 groove is anchored on an E♭ Dorian vamp that feels both hypnotic and restless. Harmonic Minor and Minor Pentatonic color the improvisations — mastering the odd meter pulse is the real challenge. Chords: Dm7 – Am7 – A#Maj7 – Gm7.

Take Five in 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 D to A (descending perfect fourth), A to A# (ascending half step), A# to G (descending minor third). 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 G to D 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.