A chord (A major) on piano
A (A major) has three notes: A, C sharp and E. Its formula is 1, 3, 5. In major keys, A is the I chord in A major, the IV in E major and the V in D major.
A inversions and fingering
A C# E · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-3-1
C# E A · RH 1-2-5 · LH 5-3-1
E A C# · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-2-1
Hear it and see every shape in ScaleSpace →
| Symbol | A |
|---|---|
| Also written | Amaj, AM |
| Notes | A C# E |
| Formula | 1 3 5 |
| Intervals | root, major third, perfect fifth |
| Type | Major chord |
A across the keyboard
Piano, C3 to C5. Notes in this scale, low to high: C#3 (3), E3 (5), A3 (1), C#4 (3), E4 (5), A4 (1).
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Questions
What notes are in the A chord?
A (A major) has three notes: A, C sharp and E. Its formula is 1, 3, 5. A is the root, C# is the major third and E is the perfect fifth.
How do you play A on piano?
Play A, C# and E together. Root position: A C# E · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-3-1.
What key is A in?
In major keys, A is the I chord in A major, the IV in E major and the V in D major. It is diatonic to those keys, so it fits songs in any of them.
What is the difference between A and Am?
A has a major 3rd, C#. Am lowers it a half step to C, which is what makes it sound minor. The root and 5th stay the same.