A major scale: notes, formula and fretboard

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A major

The A major scale has 7 notes: A, B, C#, D, E, F# and G#. Its formula is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 and its steps, in tones, are 1 – 1 – ½ – 1 – 1 – 1 – ½.

The major scale is the reference scale of Western music: seven notes with a clear, stable sound. It is the basis of major keys and of the chords built on them.

A major

A B C# D E F# G# · 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Colored dots: notes of the scale, the root is the darkest.

Notes and intervals

Note

Degree

Chords (triads)

I · A major ii · B minor iii · C# minor IV · D major V · E major vi · F# minor vii° · Ab diminished

Seventh chords

Imaj7 · A major 7 ii7 · B minor 7 iii7 · C# minor 7 IVmaj7 · D major 7 V7 · E7 vi7 · F# minor 7 viiø7 · Ab half-diminished

Same notes (modes and relatives)

F# natural minor B dorian C# phrygian D lydian E mixolydian Ab locrian

Other A scales

A natural minor A harmonic minor A melodic minor A major pentatonic A minor pentatonic A blues A dorian A phrygian A lydian A mixolydian

Neighbouring scales (fifth and fourth)

E major D major

Try it in the app

Hear the chords, play them as a progression, switch instrument, note names (Do Ré Mi or C D E) and theme:

Open the chords Open the scales All chords and scales

Frequently asked questions

What are the notes of the A major scale?

The notes of the A major scale are A, B, C#, D, E, F# and G#.

What is the formula of the major scale?

The formula of the major scale is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7: it is built with the steps 1 – 1 – ½ – 1 – 1 – 1 – ½ (in tones).

How many accidentals are in the A major scale?

The A major scale has 3 sharps.

Which chords go with the A major scale?

The chords of the A major scale are A major, B minor, C# minor, D major, E major, F# minor and Ab diminished.

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