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A(Major Chord)

A bright, happy triad built from a root, major third, and perfect fifth.

Notes
A – C# – E
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 4 – 7
Type
Triad

🎹 A on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the A chord.

R
A(Root (R))
2
C#(Major 3rd)
3
E(Perfect 5th)

🎸 A on Guitar

Fret numbers (low E → high e string): x02220(x=mute, 0=open)

x
E
0
A
2
D
2
G
2
B
0
e

Interval Analysis

DegreeInterval NameSemitonesNote in A
RootRoot (R)0A
3rdMajor 3rd4C#
5thPerfect 5th7E

About the A Major Chord

The A chord (A Major) consists of 3 notes: A, C#, E. A bright, happy triad built from a root, major third, and perfect fifth.

To build any major chord, apply intervals of 0, 4, 7 semitones above the root. Starting from A: the notes land on A, C#, E.

Playing A on Piano

Press A, C#, E simultaneously. In root position, A is lowest. First inversion places C# in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses E as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using A

  • I–IV–V: A – D – E (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: A – E – F#m – D (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: A – F#m – D – E (50s progression)

The A Chord in Context

As a major chord, A is the tonic (I) in the key of A major. It also appears as the IV chord in E major, and as the V chord in D major — making it one of the most important chords across all of Western music.

Other A Chords

Am
Minor
A7
Dominant 7th
Amaj7
Major 7th
Am7
Minor 7th
Adim
Diminished
Aaug
Augmented

Major Chord in All 12 Keys

CC#DD#EFF#GG#AA#B
🎹 Virtual Piano
Play A on piano
🎸 Virtual Guitar
See on the fretboard
🎵 A Scale
Notes that fit A
🎶 Songs
Find songs using A

FAQ

A Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the A chord?
The A Major chord contains: A, C#, E. These notes are derived by applying the major interval formula (0–4–7 semitones) to the root note A.
What is the A chord used for?
A bright, happy triad built from a root, major third, and perfect fifth. The A chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of A major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.
How do you play A on piano?
On piano, play A, C#, E simultaneously. In root position, A is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has C# lowest, second inversion has E lowest.
How many notes are in a major chord?
A major chord has 3 notes: A, C#, E (in A). It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.
What is the difference between A major and A minor?
The A major chord (A–C#–E) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound. The A minor chord (A–C–E) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.
What key does A belong to?
A naturally serves as the I chord in the key of A major. It also appears as IV in the key of E major, and as V in the key of D major.
Can I play A on ukulele?
Yes. The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The A chord notes (A, C#, E) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.
What chords go well with A?
In the key of A major, A pairs naturally with D major (IV), E major (V), and F#m (vi). The classic I–IV–V (A–D–E) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.
What is a chord inversion of A?
An inversion places a non-root note in the bass. A root position: A in bass. First inversion: C# in bass. Second inversion: E in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.
How do I memorize the notes in a major chord?
Remember the formula: 0–4–7 semitones from root. For A: start on A, add 4 semitones, then 7 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any major chord.