A major · 7 chords · 3♯

Chords in the Key of A major

The key of A major contains the notes A – B – C# – D – E – F# – G#. Its seven chords are A, Bm, C#m, D, E, F#m, G#dim.

The seven chords of A major

These are the triads built on each note of the A 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	A	A – C# – E	Tonic
ii	Bm	B – D – F#	Supertonic
iii	C#m	C# – E – G#	Mediant
IV	D	D – F# – A	Subdominant
V	E	E – G# – B	Dominant
vi	F#m	F# – A – C#	Submediant
vii°	G#dim	G# – B – D	Leading tone

Seventh chords in A major

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

Amaj7 Bm7 C#m7 Dmaj7 E7 F#m7 G#m7b5

Key signature of A major

A major has 3 sharps: F#, C#, G#.

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

How to use the chords of A 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 A major

Popular progressions written out in A major:

I-V-vi-IV: A – E – F#m – D
I-IV-V: A – D – E
12-Bar Blues: A7 – A7 – A7 – A7 – D7 – D7 – A7 – A7 – E7 – D7 – A7 – E7
I-vi-IV-V (50s progression): A – F#m – D – E
vi-IV-I-V: F#m – D – A – E
ii-V-I: Bm7 – E7 – Amaj7

Scales to play in A major

A Major Scale A Major Pentatonic Scale A Mixolydian Scale

FAQ

What chords are in the key of A major?

The chords in A major are A, Bm, C#m, D, E, F#m, G#dim, which are chords I – ii – iii – IV – V – vi – vii° of the key.

What is the relative minor of A major?

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

How many sharps or flats are in A major?