El Rey in A#
El Rey in A#
José Alfredo Jiménez, el rey del mariachi, compuso 'El Rey' en 1971 como declaración de orgullo desgarrado: 'con dinero y sin dinero hago siempre lo que quiero'. Es el vals ranchero más famoso de México y quizás de toda América Latina, cantado en bodas, cantinas y serenatas. Tres acordes en Sol mayor con compás de tres tiempos: la filosofía entera del hombre que no se rinde.
El Rey 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 F (descending perfect fourth), F to D# (descending whole step). The mix of stepwise and leap motion balances smoothness with harmonic drive. When the progression loops, the bass returns from D# to A# 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.