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Living For The City Page 2 in A#
Key of 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 A# (descending whole step), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to F (ascending whole step), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to G (descending minor third), G to F# (descending half step), F# to F# (ascending unison), F# to E (descending whole step), E to E (ascending unison), E to C# (descending minor third), C# to B (descending whole step), B to B (ascending unison), B to B (ascending unison), B to B (ascending unison), B to B (ascending unison), B to B (ascending unison). 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 B to A# by half step.
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. Use the Lydian mode (raised 4th) over the IV chord for a dreamy, floating quality that lifts the harmony.