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Tones For Joan's Bones 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 C to C (ascending unison), C to B (descending half step), B to A# (descending half step), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to A# (descending perfect fourth), A# to C# (ascending minor third), C# to F# (ascending perfect fourth), F# to E (descending whole step), E to D (descending whole step), D to C# (descending half step), C# to F# (ascending perfect fourth), F# to B (ascending perfect fourth), B to E (ascending perfect fourth), E to C# (descending minor third), C# to C (descending half step), C to B (descending half step), B to C# (ascending whole step), C# to E (ascending minor third), E to G# (ascending major third), G# to A (ascending half step), A to F (descending major third), F to F (ascending unison), F to F# (ascending half step), F# to G (ascending half step), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to D (ascending whole step), D to C# (descending half step), C# to F# (ascending perfect fourth), F# to A# (ascending major third), A# to G# (descending whole step), G# to D# (descending perfect fourth), D# to B (descending major third). A half-step bass movement creates a strong leading-tone pull that demands resolution. The mix of stepwise and leap motion balances smoothness with harmonic drive. When the progression loops, the bass returns from B to C 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.