A Major Scale
A – B – C# – D – E – F# – G# – A
Fingerings1 – 2 – 3 – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5
Formula:W-W-H-W-W-W-H
Intervals:P1-M2-M3-P4-P5-M6-M7-P8
Scale Degrees:1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8
Introduction
The A Major scale is a diatonic major scale that consists of eight notes: A, B, C#, D, E, F#, and G# (returning to A). It follows the major scale step pattern of W-W-H-W-W-W-H and contains three sharps. It is closely related to the A Major chord. Like all major scales, it has a bright, happy character widely used across classical, pop, and jazz music.
A Major Scale Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | A4 | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | D5 | M2 |
| 3 | Mediant | B4 | M3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | E5 | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | C#5 | P5 |
| 6 | Submediant | F#5 | M6 |
| 7 | Leading Tone | G#5 | M7 |
| 8 | Octave | A5 | P8 |
How to Play the A Major Scale
Right Hand (RH)
Place your right hand over the keys and use the fingering: 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5
(1 = thumb, 2 = index, 3 = middle, 4 = ring, 5 = pinky)
Left Hand (LH)
For the left hand, use the fingering: 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1
Key Signature
The key of A Major Scale has 3 sharps: F♯, C♯, G♯.
F♯C♯G♯
Chords in the Key of A Major Scale
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the A Major Scale:
A Major Scale — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the A Major Scale?
The A Major Scale contains seven notes: A B C# D E F# G# — plus the octave (A again). It has three sharps (F# C# G#). The scale follows the W–W–H–W–W–W–H step pattern (whole and half steps) common to all major scales.
What is the fingering for the A Major Scale?
Right hand: 12312345 (thumb = 1, index = 2, middle = 3, ring = 4, pinky = 5). Left hand: 54321321. Practice hands separately before combining, and keep each finger curved over the key it presses.
What is the relative minor of A Major?
The relative minor of A Major is F# minor. They share the same key signature and the same seven notes — the difference is which note acts as the tonal centre. F# minor begins on the 6th degree of the A Major scale.
How do I practise the A Major Scale effectively?
Start slowly with the right hand alone using the correct fingering. Add the left hand separately, then combine both hands in parallel motion. Gradually increase tempo using a metronome. Aim for even tone on every note — scales should sound smooth, not accented on thumb-crossings.
What chords come from the A Major Scale?
The seven diatonic chords built from the A Major Scale are: I (A Major), ii minor, iii minor, IV Major, V Major, vi minor, and vii diminished. These seven chords are the harmonic foundation of all music in A Major.
What is the formula for any major scale?
Every major scale follows the same whole-step (W) and half-step (H) pattern: W–W–H–W–W–W–H. Starting from any root note, apply this pattern and you will always arrive at the correct major scale for that key. The A Major Scale applies this formula starting on A.
Practice Tips
- Play A with just the right hand first, one octave, very slowly — listen for even tone on every note.
- Identify where the thumb crossings happen (after finger 3 or 4 depending on the key) — practise those transitions in isolation before playing the full scale.
- Add the metronome at 60 BPM, then increase by 4 BPM each time you can play cleanly through one octave.
- Practise hands separately until each is reliable, then combine in parallel motion — do not rush to put hands together.
- Play the scale in contrary motion (both hands moving away from each other from the centre) to develop independence and evenness.
- Finish by playing the A Major Scale as broken arpeggios (root, third, fifth, octave) to connect the scale to its chord.