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Tea For Two in A#
This cabaret classic's relentless ii-V-I motion is a disciplined training ground for Dorian, Mixolydian, and Bebop Major language deployed in A#. The symmetrical phrase structure demands harmonic precision and motivic development in equal measure. The Cm7 – F7 – A#maj7 – D#7 – Dm7 – G7 – Em7 – A7 – Dmaj7 – F#m7 – B7 – Dm7b5 – G7b9 – Ddim7 – D#maj7 – Cm7/Ab – G#7 – C#dim7 – A#6 changes are used by generations of jazz educators to build ii-V-I fluency and consistent swing.
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 C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to D (descending half step), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to E (descending minor third), E to A (ascending perfect fourth), A to D (ascending perfect fourth), D to F# (ascending major third), F# to B (ascending perfect fourth), B to D (ascending minor third), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to D (descending perfect fourth), D to D# (ascending half step), D# to C (descending minor third), C to G# (descending major third), G# to C# (ascending perfect fourth), C# to A# (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 A# to C 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.