On Green Dolphin Street in A#

On Green Dolphin Street in A#

On Green Dolphin Street in A# with chords A#Maj7 – A#m7 – C7 – BMaj7 – Cm7 – F7 – D#Maj7 – D#m7 – G#7. An unusual standard that moves through modal and chromatic changes in its A section before settling into conventional ii-V-I territory. Practice in A#.

On Green Dolphin Street 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 A# (ascending unison), A# to C (ascending whole step), C to B (descending half step), B to C (ascending half step), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to D# (descending whole step), D# to D# (ascending unison), D# to G# (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 G# to A# by whole 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.