Maiden Voyage in A#
Chord Diagrams — Maiden Voyage in A# (Guitar)
Maiden Voyage in A#
Herbie Hancock's modal masterpiece built entirely on suspended dominant chords, evoking the openness of the sea, a cornerstone of post-bop jazz.
Maiden Voyage 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 C# (ascending minor third), C# to B (descending whole step), B to A (descending whole step). The predominantly stepwise bass motion creates smooth, connected voice leading. When the progression loops, the bass returns from A 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. Over dominant seventh chords, A# Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.