Ab major · 7 chords · 4♭

Chords in the Key of Ab major

The key of Ab major contains the notes Ab – Bb – C – Db – Eb – F – G. Its seven chords are Ab, Bbm, Cm, Db, Eb, Fm, Gdim.

The seven chords of Ab major

These are the triads built on each note of the Ab major scale. The numerals show where each chord sits in the key: capital letters are major chords, lowercase letters are minor.

Numeral	Chord	Notes	Function
I	Ab	Ab – C – Eb	Tonic
ii	Bbm	Bb – Db – F	Supertonic
iii	Cm	C – Eb – G	Mediant
IV	Db	Db – F – Ab	Subdominant
V	Eb	Eb – G – Bb	Dominant
vi	Fm	F – Ab – C	Submediant
vii°	Gdim	G – Bb – Db	Leading tone

Seventh chords in Ab major

Adding the seventh gives a richer, more open sound. These are the seventh chords that fit Ab major.

Abmaj7 Bbm7 Cm7 Dbmaj7 Eb7 Fm7 Gm7b5

Key signature of Ab major

Ab major has 4 flats: Bb, Eb, Ab, Db.

The relative minor of Ab major is F minor: it uses exactly the same notes and chords, but feels more serious.

How to use the chords of Ab major

Most songs in a major key start and end on the I chord and lean on the IV and V chords. Try I–IV–V first, then add the vi chord for a more emotional sound.

Chord progressions in Ab major

Popular progressions written out in Ab major:

I-V-vi-IV: Ab – Eb – Fm – Db
I-IV-V: Ab – Db – Eb
12-Bar Blues: Ab7 – Ab7 – Ab7 – Ab7 – Db7 – Db7 – Ab7 – Ab7 – Eb7 – Db7 – Ab7 – Eb7
I-vi-IV-V (50s progression): Ab – Fm – Db – Eb
vi-IV-I-V: Fm – Db – Ab – Eb
ii-V-I: Bbm7 – Eb7 – Abmaj7

Scales to play in Ab major

Ab Major Scale Ab Major Pentatonic Scale Ab Mixolydian Scale

FAQ

What chords are in the key of Ab major?

The chords in Ab major are Ab, Bbm, Cm, Db, Eb, Fm, Gdim, which are chords I – ii – iii – IV – V – vi – vii° of the key.

What is the relative minor of Ab major?

It is F minor. The two keys share exactly the same notes and chords.

How many sharps or flats are in Ab major?