María Bonita in A#

María Bonita in A#

María Bonita in A# — Agustín Lara's timeless bolero. The Bebop Major and Major Pentatonic scales work beautifully over these romantic changes. Chords: A#maj7 – Cm7 – F7 – Gm7 – D#maj7 – D#m7 – G7.

María Bonita 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 C (ascending whole step), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to G (ascending whole step), G to D# (descending major third), D# to D# (ascending unison), D# to G (ascending major third). The mix of stepwise and leap motion balances smoothness with harmonic drive. When the progression loops, the bass returns from G to A# by minor third.

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.