Chan Chan in A#

Chan Chan in A#

Francisco Repilado, conocido como Compay Segundo, compuso 'Chan Chan' décadas antes de grabarla, pero fue el álbum Buena Vista Social Club (1997) el que la llevó al mundo entero. La película de Wim Wenders y el Grammy del disco convirtieron este son habanero en el emblema del renacimiento de la música cubana. Simple y profunda: I-IV-V sobre clave son los cimientos del son cubano.

Chan Chan 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 D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to F (ascending whole step), F to G (ascending whole step), G to C (ascending perfect fourth). The mix of stepwise and leap motion balances smoothness with harmonic drive. When the progression loops, the bass returns from C 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.