A major chord on piano
A is a major chord built on A. It uses the notes A - C♯ - E and sounds bright, stable and resolved.
- Notes
- A C♯ E
- Formula
- 1 - 3 - 5
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 1
- Chord symbol
- A
How to play A step by step
- Find A. A is the white key between the second and third black keys of the group of three.
- Add C♯, 4 half steps above A.
- Add E, 7 half steps above A.
- Press all 3 keys together with fingers 1 - 3 - 5 of your right hand. Keep your wrist level and let the weight of your arm do the work.
A inversions
An inversion uses the same notes in a different order. Inversions let your hand move less between chords, which is how pianists make chord changes sound smooth.
Which keys use the A chord?
Knowing where a chord lives helps you guess the next chord in a song. A appears naturally in these keys:
Songs that use A
Practice A inside real music. These tutorials use it in the left-hand accompaniment:
- Canon in D (easy-intermediate, D major)
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the A major chord?
The A major chord (A) contains 3 notes: A, C♯, E. Its formula is 1 - 3 - 5.
How do you play A on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on A and play A, C♯, E together using fingers 1 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 1.