They Call It Stormy Monday in A#

Aaron Walker a.k.a. T-Bone Walker(1947)swing
Do Re MiC D E
A

Chord Diagrams — They Call It Stormy Monday in A# (Guitar)

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They Call It Stormy Monday 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 D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to B (descending major third), B to C (ascending half step), C to D (ascending whole step), D to C# (descending half step), C# to F# (ascending perfect fourth), F# to F (descending half step), F to F (ascending unison). A half-step bass movement creates a strong leading-tone pull that demands resolution. The predominantly stepwise bass motion creates smooth, connected voice leading. When the progression loops, the bass returns from F 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. Use the Lydian mode (raised 4th) over the IV chord for a dreamy, floating quality that lifts the harmony.

swing12/8 · 12 bars · Form: A

Chords: A♯9, D♯9, B9, Cm7, Dm7, C♯m7, F♯9, F9, Faug.

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

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