Who Can I Turn To? in A#

Anthony Newley / Leslie Bricusse(1964)swing
Do Re MiC D E
A

Chord Diagrams — Who Can I Turn To? in A# (Guitar)

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Who Can I Turn To? 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 C (ascending whole step), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to D (ascending major third), D to D# (ascending half step), D# to F (ascending whole step), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to A (descending half step), A to G (descending whole step), G to C# (ascending tritone), C# to G (ascending tritone), G to A (ascending whole step), A to D (ascending perfect fourth), D to C (descending whole step), C to A# (descending whole step), A# to C (ascending whole step). 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 C to A# 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.

swing4/4 · 32 bars · Form: A

Chords: A♯, Cm7, F7, A♯Maj7, Dm7, D♯Maj7, Fm7, A♯7, A7, Gm7, C♯dim, G7, Am7♭5, D7, C7, A♯/D, Cm9.

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

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