Key of A - The A Major Scale

Notes in the A Major Scale:

ABC#DEF#G#

The key of A contains 7 notes: A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G#.This major key has a bright, uplifting sound and is one of the most common keys in popular music.

Chords in the Key of A

I
I
A major
ii
ii
B minor
iii
iii
C# minor
IV
IV
D major
V
V
E major
vi
vi
F# minor
vii°
vii°
G# diminished

Chord details coming soon

Common Chord Progressions

I - V - vi - IV
Pop progression
I
A major
→
V
E major
→
vi
F# minor
→
IV
D major
I - IV - V
Classic rock
I
A major
→
IV
D major
→
V
E major
I - vi - IV - V
50s progression
I
A major
→
vi
F# minor
→
IV
D major
→
V
E major
ii - V - I
Jazz cadence
ii
B minor
→
V
E major
→
I
A major
A Major Scale Pattern

The A Major scale follows the pattern of W-W-H-W-W-W-H (whole and half steps).

Scale formula: A - B - C# - D - E - F# - G#

Key signature: 3 sharps

Understanding the Key of A

Scale Degrees

Each chord in the key is built on a scale degree. Roman numerals show the chord's position in the scale. Uppercase = major chords, lowercase = minor chords.

Tonic Chord

The I chord (A major) is the tonic - the "home" chord that provides resolution and stability.

Dominant Chord

The V chord (E major) creates tension that naturally wants to resolve back to the tonic.