Key of A - The A Minor Scale

Notes in the A Minor Scale:

ABCDEFG

The key of A contains 7 notes: A, B, C, D, E, F, G.This minor key has a darker, more introspective quality perfect for emotional expression.

Chords in the Key of A

i
i
A minor
ii°
ii°
B diminished
III
III
C major
iv
iv
D minor
v
v
E minor
VI
VI
F major
VII
VII
G major

Common Chord Progressions

i - iv - v
Minor blues
i
A minor
→
iv
D minor
→
v
E minor
i - VII - VI - VII
Andalusian cadence
i
A minor
→
VII
G major
→
VI
F major
→
VII
G major
i - VI - III - VII
Natural minor
i
A minor
→
VI
F major
→
III
C major
→
VII
G major
i - iv - VII - III
Minor pop
i
A minor
→
iv
D minor
→
VII
G major
→
III
C major
A Minor Scale Pattern

The A Minor scale follows the pattern of W-H-W-W-H-W-W (natural minor scale).

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

Key signature: Same as C Major

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 minor) is the tonic - the "home" chord that provides resolution and stability.

Dominant Chord

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