Chan Chan in B

Chan Chan in B

Chan Chan in B: Francisco Repilado (Compay Segundo)'s son cubano. Mixolydian and Major Pentatonic scales bring out the groove and energy of these changes. Chords: B – G#m – E – F#7 – C#m7 – G#m7.

Chan Chan in B

B major mixes barre and open elements. The B chord itself is a barre at fret 2, but E and A are comfortable open chords forming the IV and V. The open B string rings as the root, allowing creative drone-based arrangements. B is a intermediate-level key on guitar because the open B string rings as the root and the open E strings provide the 4th — useful for sus4 voicings and drone effects. This key mixes open and barre shapes, making it a good intermediate challenge that builds fretboard fluency.

Voice Leading

The bass line moves through B to G# (descending minor third), G# to E (descending major third), E to F# (ascending whole step), F# to C# (descending perfect fourth), C# to G# (descending perfect fourth). 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 G# to B by minor third.

Scales for Improvisation

B 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, B Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.