What is the A major scale? Explore this popular scale, including its notes and chords, its relative minor, how to play it on piano, and songs in the key of A major
In the world of music theory, few concepts hold as much significance as scales, which form the foundational building blocks of melodies and harmonies. Understanding the scale of A major can open up your musical world to new feelings and sounds on the piano. Knowing this key will make it easier to learn compositions in the A major and F# minor scale.
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What does it mean when a song is in the key of A major?
When a song is in the key of A major, it means that the foundational musical notes and chords of the composition are based on the A major scale. In classical music, A major is often associated with a sense of bright and uplifting emotions, evoking feelings of joy, cheerfulness, and optimism. The key of A major is known for its vibrant tonality, making it a popular choice for expressing exuberant and celebratory themes.
What notes are in the scale of A major?
The scale of A major is a musical scale that starts on A and has three sharps in its key signature. The notes of the A major scale are A, B, C sharp, D, E, F sharp, and G sharp.
What is the relative minor of the A major scale?
In music theory, the relative minor of a major key is the key that shares the same key signature but starts on the sixth degree (or step) of the major scale. The relative minor of the A major scale is F# minor.
The key of F# minor is associated with a different emotional character compared to A major, often evoking a sense of melancholy, introspection, and sometimes even a touch of darkness in its musical expressions.
Compared to its relative minor key, A major presents a clear contrast by infusing the music with a lively and triumphant quality. Compositions in the key of A major often convey a sense of enthusiasm and positivity, making it a versatile and widely used key across various musical genres.
Whether in classical, pop, or other styles, A major can inspire a sense of hope and exultation in the listener, making it a favored choice for composers seeking to create uplifting and joyful musical experiences.
Chords of the A major scale
The most commonly used chords in key of A major are the I chord, or tonic, which is built on A, the IV chord, or subdominant, built on D, and the V chord, the dominant, built on E:
I chord (A major triad): A – C sharp – E
IV chord (D major triad): D – F sharp – A
V chord (E major triad): E – G sharp – B
Another chord you’ll see used often in the key of A major is the vi chord, the F# minor chord, which is the tonic chord of the relative minor key, F# minor:
vi chord (F# minor triad): F sharp – A – C sharp
Other chords in the key of A major include the ii chord, b minor chord built on B, the iii chord, another minor chord built on C sharp, and the vii chord, a diminished chord built on G sharp.
ii chord (B minor triad): B – D – F sharp
iii chord (C# minor triad): C-sharp – E – G sharp
vii chord (G# diminished triad): G sharp – B – D
Playing the A major scale on the piano
To play the A major piano scale, follow these steps:
First, find the starting note A on the piano keyboard. We will play the A major scale ascending up the keyboard. Here is the right hand placement for the A major piano scale:
1 on A
2 on B
3 on C sharp
Cross thumb under:
1 on D
2 on E
3 on F sharp
4 on G sharp
5 on A
Left hand placement for the A major piano scale:
5 on A
4 on B
3 on C sharp
2 on D
1 on E
Cross finger three over:
3 on F sharp
2 on G sharp
1 on A
When coming down the scale of A major, simply reverse the finger order like this:
Right hand placement for the descending A major piano scale:
5 on A
4 on G sharp
3 on F sharp
2 on E
1 on D
Cross finger three over:
3 on C sharp
2 on B
1 on A
Left hand placement for the descending A major piano scale:
1 on A
2 on G sharp
3 on F sharp
Cross thumb under:
1 on E
2 on D
3 on C sharp
4 on B
5 on A
For more help learning the A major scale, check out our video on the A major scale.
Songs that feature the scale of A major
Enjoy listening to these songs composed in the scale of A major:
- Rondo Alla Turca K. 331 (3rd Movement) – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. A prominent piece in classical music, Rondo Alla Turca shows the charm of the A major scale with its joyous energy.
- To A Wild Rose – Edward MacDowell. In To a Wild Rose, the A major scale is used to explore feelings of tenderness, simplicity, and love.
- Ava Maria – Friedrich Burgmuller. There’s a beautiful reverence to this piece. In Ava Maria, the A major scale embodies feelings of respect and esteem.
- Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles. In this song, the A major scale is used to express feelings of joy and happiness.
- My Immortal – Evanescence. This song explores the more emotional, melancholic side of the A major scale.
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