Look To The Sky in A#

Look To The Sky in A#

Look To The Sky in A# — Antonio Carlos Jobim's bossa nova classic. Explore Bebop Major and Lydian scales over these sophisticated changes. Chords: A#maj9 – G#6 – G7b9 – Cm9 – Bmaj9#11 – D#m7 – G#9 – C#maj9 – A#m9 – A#m69 – Dm7 – G#9sus – G#7b9 – C#dim – F7#5b9 – F13b9.

Look To The Sky 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 A# to G# (descending whole step), G# to G (descending half step), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to B (descending half step), B to D# (ascending major third), D# to G# (ascending perfect fourth), G# to C# (ascending perfect fourth), C# to A# (descending minor third), A# to A# (ascending unison), A# to D (ascending major third), D to G# (ascending tritone), G# to G# (ascending unison), G# to C# (ascending perfect fourth), C# to F (ascending major third), F to F (ascending unison). A half-step bass movement creates a strong leading-tone pull that demands resolution. 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 F to A# 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.