Lamento Borincano in A#

Lamento Borincano in A#

Lamento Borincano in A#: Rafael Hernández's son cubano. Bebop Major and Major Pentatonic scales bring out the groove and energy of these changes. Chords: Em – F – Dm – Em7 – FM7b5 – DM7 – C#m7 – B – A/C – Em6 – G9 – CM7 – F#m7b5 – B7 – D7 – C7 – E – E6 – D#7#5 – C#7#9 – B7sus – A13.

Lamento Borincano in 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 E to F (ascending half step), F to D (descending minor third), D to E (ascending whole step), E to F (ascending half step), F to D (descending minor third), D to C# (descending half step), C# to B (descending whole step), B to A (descending whole step), A to E (descending perfect fourth), E to G (ascending minor third), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to F# (ascending tritone), F# to B (ascending perfect fourth), B to D (ascending minor third), D to C (descending whole step), C to E (ascending major third), E to E (ascending unison), E to D# (descending half step), D# to C# (descending whole step), C# to B (descending whole step), B to A (descending 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 A to E 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.