Key of Ab - The Ab Major Scale

Notes in the Ab Major Scale:

AbBbCDbEbFG

The key of Ab contains 7 notes: Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, 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 Ab

I
I
Ab major
ii
ii
Bb minor
iii
iii
C minor
IV
IV
Db major

Chord details coming soon

V
V
Eb major
vi
vi
F minor
vii°
vii°
G diminished

Common Chord Progressions

I - V - vi - IV
Pop progression
I
Ab major
→
V
Eb major
→
vi
F minor
→
IV
Db major
I - IV - V
Classic rock
I
Ab major
→
IV
Db major
→
V
Eb major
I - vi - IV - V
50s progression
I
Ab major
→
vi
F minor
→
IV
Db major
→
V
Eb major
ii - V - I
Jazz cadence
ii
Bb minor
→
V
Eb major
→
I
Ab major
Ab Major Scale Pattern

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

Scale formula: Ab - Bb - C - Db - Eb - F - G

Key signature: 4 flats

Understanding the Key of Ab

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

Dominant Chord

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