What key is That's All in?

E major is arguably guitar's most powerful key. The open low E and high E strings ring sympathetically as the root, while the open B provides the fifth. This triple reinforcement gives E-based riffs and chords unmatched depth and volume. E is a beginner-level key on guitar because both the low E and high E strings ring as the root, and the open B is the fifth — three open strings reinforce the tonic chord. Beginners will find this key approachable since most chords use open voicings with minimal stretching.

Voice Leading

The bass line moves through E to F# (ascending whole step), F# to G# (ascending whole step), G# to A (ascending half step), A to B (ascending whole step), B to C# (ascending whole step), C# to A# (descending minor third), A# to G (descending minor third), G to C# (ascending tritone), C# to B (descending whole step), B to B (ascending unison), B to E (ascending perfect fourth), E to A (ascending perfect fourth), A to F# (descending minor third), F# to A (ascending minor third), A to A (ascending unison), A to C# (ascending major third), C# to B (descending whole step), B to G# (descending minor third). A half-step bass movement creates a strong leading-tone pull that demands resolution. The mix of stepwise and leap motion balances smoothness with harmonic drive. When the progression loops, the bass returns from G# to E by major third.

Scales for Improvisation

E 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, E Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.

ballad2/2 · 32 bars · Form: AABA

Chords: Mi, Fa♯m7, Sol♯m7, Lam7, Si7, Do♯9, La♯m7♭5, Soldim7, Do♯7♭9, Si7♭9, Sim7, Mi9, LaMaj79, Fa♯9, LaMaj7, La6, Do♯m7, SiMaj79, Sol♯9.

Scales for Improvisation Mi bebop, Mi bebop major.