It Don't Mean A Thing in A#

It Don't Mean A Thing in A#

Ellington's iconic swing anthem with its driving minor groove and catchy doo-wah riff, one of the earliest and most enduring swing-era standards.

It Don't Mean A Thing 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 F# to F# (ascending unison), F# to F# (ascending unison), F# to F# (ascending unison), F# to D (descending major third), D to C# (descending half step), C# to B (descending whole step), B to E (ascending perfect fourth), E to A (ascending perfect fourth), A to A (ascending unison), A to G# (descending half step), G# to C# (ascending perfect fourth). 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 C# to F# 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.