Take The A Train in A#
Take The A Train in A#
Take The A Train in A# — Duke Ellington's anthem, defined by its signature #IV chord (II7#11). Use Lydian Dominant over that chord for the characteristic uptown sound, Bebop Major everywhere else. Changes: A#6 – C7b5 – Cm7 – F7 – A# – D#Maj7 – C7 – Cm9 – F9 – B9.
Take The A Train 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 A# to C (ascending whole step), C to C (ascending unison), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to C (descending minor third), C to C (ascending unison), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to B (ascending tritone). 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 B to A# by half 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.