What key is Chega De Saudade in?

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 G to G (ascending unison), G to E (descending minor third), E to A (ascending perfect fourth), A to A (ascending unison), A to D (ascending perfect fourth), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to G (ascending unison), G to A (ascending whole step), A to D (ascending perfect fourth), D to D# (ascending half step), D# to G (ascending major third), G to G# (ascending half step), G# to A (ascending half step), A to D (ascending perfect fourth), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to B (ascending major third), B to A# (descending half step). 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 A# to G 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.

bossa-nova2/2 · 59 bars · Form: AA'BA''

Chords: Solm7, Solm7/c, Mim7♭5, La7♭9, Lam7♭5, Re7♭9, Solm, Solm/c, La7, Rem, Re♯Maj7, SolMaj7, Sol♯dim7, Lam7, Re7, Soldim7, Sim7, La♯dim7.

Scales for Improvisation La# bebop, La# bebop major.