What Is This Thing Called Love in A#

Cole Porter(1929)swing

What Is This Thing Called Love 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 F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to C (descending minor third), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to A# (ascending unison), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to G# (ascending perfect fourth), G# to F# (descending whole step), F# to A# (ascending major third). 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 F 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.

swing4/4 · 33 bars · Form: A

Chords: Fm7♭5, A♯7, D♯m, Cm7♭5, F7, A♯Maj7, A♯m7♭5, D♯7, G♯Maj7, F♯7, A♯.

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

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