A chord on piano
A Major. Notes: A, C# and E.
How to play A
- Find A just below middle C. That is the root.
- Add C# and E above it, skipping the keys in between.
- Right hand fingering: 1-3-5 (thumb, middle, pinky). Left hand: 5-3-1 (pinky, middle, thumb).
Notes
A inversions
An inversion moves the lowest note up an octave. Same notes, smoother jumps between chords.
Root position
A · C# · E1st inversion
C# · E · A2nd inversion
E · A · C#Notes and theory
The major triad is the bright, settled chord that most songs start and end on. The formula is 1 3 5, and you will also see it written as Amaj and AM.
Keys that use A
More A chords
All A piano chordsmajor chords in every key
Questions
What notes are in the A chord?
A (A major) is made of three notes: A (root), C# (major third) and E (perfect fifth).
How do you play A on piano?
Play A, C# and E together. With the right hand use fingers 1-3-5 (thumb, middle, pinky); with the left hand use 5-3-1 (pinky, middle, thumb).
What are the inversions of A?
Root position: A C# E. 1st inversion: C# E A. 2nd inversion: E A C#.
What is the difference between A and Am?
Only the third changes. A major uses a major third and sounds bright; A minor lowers that note by a half step, which makes it sound darker. The root and the fifth stay the same.
What key is A in?
A belongs to 6 keys: D major (as the V chord), E major (as the IV chord), A major (as the I chord), C sharp minor (as the VI chord), F sharp minor (as the III chord) and B minor (as the VII chord).
What does a major chord sound like?
The major triad is the bright, settled chord that most songs start and end on.