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Chord · Reference entry

A Power

Power · A – E · intervals P1-P5

The A Power chord (A5) contains the notes A and E. Its interval formula is R-P5. Just the root and 5th — no 3rd, no major/minor identity, the staple of distorted rock guitar.

At the keyboard

A · E
Flashcards · Chord
Three questions on A Power
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A5

The A Power chord is a two-note chord made up of A and E. It is built from a root and perfect fifth.

Construction

A Power = Root + Perfect 5th = A · E
NoteIntervalDegree
ARoot1
EPerfect 5th5

A Power Inversions

A Power piano chord, 1st inversion — E, A
The A Power chord, 1st inversion, on a piano keyboard.
PositionNotes
Root PositionA – E
1st InversionE – A
2nd Inversion

Key Signature

A chord has no key signature of its own, but the A Power 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.

FCGDAEB

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:

C1C2C3C4AC5EC6C7C8C♯
IA Major (major)
DegreeNumeralChordQuality
1IA MajorMajor
2iiB MinorMinor
3iiiC♯ MinorMinor
4IVD MajorMajor
5VE MajorMajor
6viF♯ MinorMinor
7vii°G♯ DiminishedDiminished

A Power — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the A Power chord on piano?
The A Power chord contains the notes A – E. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the A Power chord?
The A Power chord (A5) contains 2 notes: A, E. Formula: R-P5.
How is A5 used in music?
A5 is used in jazz, fusion, and contemporary music to add harmonic color. It appears as a dominant or tonic chord depending on context.
What is the scale degree formula for A5?
A5 uses scale degrees 1-5, giving it its distinctive sound.

Related Tools

Chord FinderLook up any chord — see the notes, hear it, and play along.Chord DrillTimed drills to build speed and recognition across all chord types.Practice RoomPlug in a MIDI keyboard and get real-time feedback on every chord and scale.Circle of FifthsVisualize key relationships, relative minors, and key signatures.MIDI MonitorLive MIDI message stream with note names, velocity, and a scrolling staff.

References & Further Reading

The note names, intervals, fingering, and harmony on this chord page are grounded in the following sources. Public domain treatises and scores are linked to their full text; primary data is piano.org's own interval-derived reference dataset — continuously maintained and human-verified, with no fixed publication date.

  1. 1

    Riemann, Hugo(1896)

    Harmony Simplified (English translation)

    Public domain treatise
  2. 2

    George Grove (ed.)(1900)

    A Dictionary of Music and Musicians

    Public domain treatise
  3. 3

    W. A. Mozart(1783)

    Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major, K. 331

    Public domain score
  4. 4

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Entry reviewed and maintained by Justin Evans. Corrections are read and applied.Report an error

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