All Of Me in A#

All Of Me in A#

One of the most recognizable jazz standards from the Great American Songbook, All Of Me is an ideal beginner tune with clear harmonic movement through secondary dominants.

All Of Me 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 D (ascending major third), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to G (descending perfect fourth), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to D# (descending whole step), D# to D# (ascending unison), D# to A# (descending perfect fourth), A# to D (ascending major third). 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 D to A# by major 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.