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A major 7th chord on piano

Amaj7 is a major 7th chord built on A. It uses the notes A - C♯ - E - G♯ and sounds warm, jazzy and relaxed.

A major 7th chord keyboard diagram: A, C♯, E, G♯AEC♯G♯
Notes
A C♯ E G♯
Formula
1 - 3 - 5 - 7
Right hand fingering
1 - 2 - 3 - 5
Left hand fingering
5 - 3 - 2 - 1
Chord symbol
Amaj7

How to play Amaj7 step by step

  1. Find A. A is the white key between the second and third black keys of the group of three.
  2. Add C♯, 4 half steps above A.
  3. Add E, 7 half steps above A.
  4. Add G♯, 11 half steps above A.
  5. Press all 4 keys together with fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5 of your right hand. Keep your wrist level and let the weight of your arm do the work.

Amaj7 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.

Amaj7 Root position: A, C♯, E, G♯AEC♯G♯
Root positionA - C♯ - E - G♯
Amaj7 1st inversion: C♯, E, G♯, AEAC♯G♯
1st inversionC♯ - E - G♯ - A
Amaj7 2nd inversion: E, G♯, A, C♯EAG♯C♯
2nd inversionE - G♯ - A - C♯
Amaj7 3rd inversion: G♯, A, C♯, EAEG♯C♯
3rd inversionG♯ - A - C♯ - E

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the A major 7th chord?

The A major 7th chord (Amaj7) contains 4 notes: A, C♯, E, G♯. Its formula is 1 - 3 - 5 - 7.

How do you play Amaj7 on piano?

Put your right-hand thumb on A and play A, C♯, E, G♯ together using fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 2 - 1.

Other A chords

Other major 7th chords