A Mi Manera in A#

A Mi Manera in A#

Originalmente 'Comme d'habitude' de Claude François (1967), Paul Anka escribió la letra en inglés como 'My Way' para Frank Sinatra (1969). La versión en español 'A Mi Manera' se convirtió en uno de los temas más cantados en karaoke de todo el mundo hispanohablante. Julio Iglesias, Plácido Domingo y decenas de artistas latinos la han grabado, convirtiendo esta balada francesa en un himno universal.

A Mi Manera 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 major third), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to G (ascending unison), G to D# (descending major third), D# to F (ascending whole step), F to D# (descending whole step), D# to G (ascending major third), G to C (ascending perfect fourth). The root motion by larger intervals (fourths and fifths) gives each chord change a strong, decisive character. 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.