The key of A major has 3 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯). The notes of the scale are A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G♯ and its diatonic chords are A, Bm, C#m, D, E, F#m, G#°.
A major scale
A major scale: A · B · C♯ · D · E · F♯ · G♯ · A
Step: A W B W C♯ H D W E W F♯ W G♯ H A
The chords (triads)
| Degree | Symbol | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | A tonic | A C♯ E | |
| ii | Bm subdominant | B D F♯ | |
| iii | C#m tonic | C♯ E G♯ | |
| IV | D subdominant | D F♯ A | |
| V | E dominant | E G♯ B | |
| vi | F#m tonic | F♯ A C♯ | |
| vii° | G#° dominant | G♯ B D |
Seventh chords
| Degree | Symbol | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | A7M | A C♯ E G♯ | |
| ii | Bm7 | B D F♯ A | |
| iii | C#m7 | C♯ E G♯ B | |
| IV | D7M | D F♯ A C♯ | |
| V | E7 | E G♯ B D | |
| vi | F#m7 | F♯ A C♯ E | |
| viiø | G#m7(b5) | G♯ B D F♯ |
Common progressions in A major
- A – E – F#m – D (I – V – vi – IV)
- A – F#m – D – E (I – vi – IV – V)
- Bm – E – A (ii – V – I)
- A – D – E – A (I – IV – V – I)
Relative key
The relative minor of A major is F♯ minor: same notes and chords, starting from F♯.
Chords in other keys
Major keys: C major · G major · D major · A major · E major · B major · F♯ major · G♭ major · D♭ major · A♭ major · E♭ major · B♭ major · F major
Minor keys: A minor · E minor · B minor · F♯ minor · C♯ minor · G♯ minor · E♭ minor · B♭ minor · F minor · C minor · G minor · D minor
Learn how it works in diatonic chords: the complete guide and practice the scales in the app with your microphone.
Frequently asked questions
What chords are in the key of A major?
A, Bm, C#m, D, E, F#m, G#°. With sevenths: A7M, Bm7, C#m7, D7M, E7, F#m7, G#m7(b5).
How many sharps or flats does A major have?
The key of A major has 3 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯).
What is the relative minor of A major?
F♯ minor, which uses the same notes.