Construction
A Major = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th = A, C♯, E
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| A | Root | 1 |
| C♯ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| E | Perfect 5th | 5 |
How to Play the A Major
Right Hand (RH)
Place your right hand over the keys with the thumb on the root. Use the fingering: 1 – 3 – 5
Left Hand (LH)
For the left hand, start with your pinky on the root. Use the fingering: 5 – 3 – 1
A Major Inversions
- Root positionA – C♯ – E
- 1st inversion (A/C♯)C♯ – E – A
- 2nd inversion (A/E)E – A – C♯
A Major : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the A Major chord on piano?
The A Major chord contains the notes A – C♯ – E. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes make up the A Major chord?
A Major contains three notes: A (root), C# (major third), and E (perfect fifth). C# is a black key, giving A Major a single black-key reach between two white notes.
What fingering do I use for A Major?
Right hand: finger 1 on A, finger 3 on C#, finger 5 on E. Left hand: finger 5 on A, finger 3 on C#, finger 1 on E. The middle finger arches up to C# while the thumb and pinky rest on white keys A and E.
What are the inversions of A Major?
First inversion (A/C#): C#–E–A. Second inversion (A/E): E–A–C#. A/C# in the bass allows for a smooth descending bass line movement from A through G# (if using G#/Ab) down to F#m, a very common jazz and pop device.
What songs use the A Major chord?
A Major appears in hundreds of classic songs. It is the tonic in Don't Stop Me Now (Queen), the I chord in countless country tracks, and the V chord in D major songs. Wonderwall (Oasis) uses A as part of its signature four-chord sequence.
What chords pair well with A Major?
In the key of A: D Major (IV), E Major (V), and F# minor (vi). A–D–E is the classic three-chord rock sequence. A–E–F#m–D is one of the most common pop progressions of the 21st century.
How does C# affect the sound and feel of A Major?
C# is only four semitones above A (a major third), which is what gives A Major its bright, resolved quality. Without C#: using C natural instead, you would have A minor, which sounds darker and more melancholic. The single black-key difference has an enormous effect on mood.