La Murga in A#

La Murga in A#

Willie Colón grabó 'La Murga de Panamá' en 1975 para su álbum 'El Juicio'. El tema recupera la tradición carnavalera panameña de la murga —banda callejera festiva— y la transforma en salsa neoyorquina con trombones potentes y coros explosivos. Colón y Blades construyeron una música que fue al mismo tiempo fiesta de barrio y declaración política de identidad latinoamericana en Nueva York.

La Murga 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), D# to C# (descending whole step), C# to G# (descending perfect fourth). The mix of stepwise and leap motion balances smoothness with harmonic drive. 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.