The A Major 6 chord is a four-note chord made up of A, C♯, E, and F♯.
Construction
A Major 6 = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 6th = A · C♯ · E · F♯
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| A | Root | 1 |
| C♯ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| E | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| F♯ | Major 6th | 6 |
A Major 6 Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | A – C♯ – E – F♯ |
| 1st Inversion | C♯ – E – F♯ – A |
| 2nd Inversion | E – F♯ – A – C♯ |
| 3rd Inversion | F♯ – A – C♯ – E |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the A Major 6 is the tonic (I) chord of A Major, whose key signature has 3 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯).
F♯C♯G♯
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
Chords in the Key of A Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the A major scale:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes A – C♯ – E – F♯ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
A Major 6 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the A Major 6 chord on piano?
The A Major 6 chord contains the notes A – C♯ – E – F♯. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the A Major 6 chord?
A6 contains: A, C#, E, F#. Major triad with major sixth.
How does A6 differ from Amaj7?
A6 has F# (sixth). Amaj7 has G# (seventh).
How does A6 differ from F#m7?
Same notes, different root.
How is A6 used?
Vintage jazz, country, acoustic. A is a common acoustic key.
What songs use Major 6th?
Swing, country.
Can I substitute A6 for A Major?
Yes.