With its comfortable open chord shapes and rich tone, it’s a favorite in genres like country, pop, rock, blues, and more. The A major scale contains three sharps: F#, C#, and G#, and its relative minor is F# minor.

How to Identify A Major in Sheet Music

The A major key is marked by three sharps in the key signature: F#, C#, and G#. Most melodies and harmonies will resolve to the A note or A major chord.

Why Guitarists Love A Major

  • Features easy-to-play open chords
  • Sounds rich and vibrant when strummed
  • Works well for both rhythm and lead playing
  • Often used in upbeat, energetic songs

Famous Songs in A Major

These examples show how A major works across multiple styles and moods.

A Major Scale

The notes in the A major scale are: A – B – C# – D – E – F# – G# – A

This scale forms the basis for melodies, riffs, and solos in the key of A major.

A Major Chord on Guitar

Chords in the Key of A Major

The diatonic chords in A major are:

  • A major (I)
  • B minor (ii)
  • C# minor (iii)
  • D major (IV)
  • E major (V)
  • F# minor (vi)
  • G# diminished (vii°)
  • I – IV – V: A – D – E
  • I – vi – IV – V: A – F#m – D – E
  • ii – V – I: Bm – E – A
  • vi – IV – I – V: F#m – D – A – E

Cadences in A Major

  • Perfect Cadence (V – I): E – A
  • Plagal Cadence (IV – I): D – A
  • Jazz Cadence (ii – V – I): Bm – E – A

Relative Minor: F# Minor

The relative minor of A major is F# minor. Both keys share the same notes but express different emotions:

  • A major: uplifting, confident
  • F# minor: moody, introspective

F# minor scale: F# – G# – A – B – C# – D – E – F#

A major fingering

Fingering the A Major Chord on Guitar

The open A major chord is straightforward:

  • Place your index, middle, and ring fingers on the 2nd fret of the D, G, and B strings
  • Strum from the A string down (mute or avoid the low E string)

A Major Chord Attributes

  • Intervals: 1 – 3 – 5
  • Notes: A – C# – E
  • Chord Symbols: A, Amaj

Tips for Playing in A Major

  1. Try barre chord variations up the neck for dynamics.
  2. Use A major pentatonic for solos—great for blues and country.
  3. Combine with open strings for a shimmering, open sound.
  4. Experiment with A sus2, sus4, and add9 chords for color.

Conclusion

The A major key is a core component of every guitarist’s toolkit. With its energetic tone and accessible chords, it’s great for writing, improvising, and jamming.

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