Recorda Me (Recordame) in A

Recorda Me (Recordame) in A

Recorda Me (Recordame) in A: Joe Henderson's Afro-Cuban jazz classic. Dorian and Harmonic Minor scales define the exotic, modal color of these sophisticated changes. Chords: Am7 – Cm7 – Fm7 – A#7 – D#maj7 – Bm7 – E7.

Recorda Me (Recordame) in A

A major is a rock and blues cornerstone. The open A string delivers a strong root, while both E strings ring as the fifth. Classic A-D-E progressions practically play themselves with open cowboy chords. The open high E is the fifth, reinforcing power. A is a beginner-level key on guitar because the open A string is the root and the open E strings provide the fifth above and below, creating a massive low-end anchor. Beginners will find this key approachable since most chords use open voicings with minimal stretching.

Voice Leading

The bass line moves through A to C (ascending minor third), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to B (descending major third), B to E (ascending 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 E 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.