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New Released in April 2026

A Major Chord on Piano (A)

A major (A) is a major chord with the notes A - C# - E. It lives in the key of A major. On the keys: black key on the third (C#), white keys for the rest. Here are its three positions, both hands and where it shows up in real music.

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A A C# E

A inversions on the keyboard

Whichever note is lowest, it is still A.

A A C# E

Root position: A C# E

A C# E A

1st inversion: C# E A

A E A C#

2nd inversion: E A C#

How to play A on the piano

HandAC#E
Right hand1 (thumb)3 (middle)5 (little)
Left hand5 (little)3 (middle)1 (thumb)

Put the thumb on A first, then let the hand fall on C# and E without looking. Ten clean repetitions beat one long hold.

The chords of A major

Every chord built on the notes of A major, with A as home.

DegreeChordNotes
I A A C# E
ii Bm B D F#
iii C#m C# E G#
IV D D F# A
V E E G# B
vi F#m F# A C#
vii° Abdim Ab Cb Ebb

A at a glance

Keyboard shape

Black key on the third (c#), white keys for the rest.

Key signature

A is the home chord of A major: 3 sharps.

Leads here

E7 (E G# B D) creates the tension that settles on A.

A in keys and progressions

A belongs to these major keys:

  • I in A major
  • IV in E major
  • V in D major

Relative minor: F#m · Parallel minor: Am

A common progression from A (I - V - vi - IV): A → E → F#m → D. Keep a steady beat, four counts per chord.

ChordRunner showing a chord block while hands play the piano

Practise A by playing

Play A when it appears, keep the runner going, and the shape becomes a reflex. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.

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All piano chords · Piano chord chart

Common questions

What notes are in the A major chord?

A major (A) has three notes: A, C# and E. They are the root, the major third and the perfect fifth.

How do you play A on the piano?

Right hand: thumb on A, middle finger on C#, little finger on E. Left hand: little finger on A, middle finger on C#, thumb on E, or just the root A low.

Is A a major or minor chord?

A is major: its third is C#. Its relative minor partner is F#m.

Your instrument is the controller.

ChordRunner is a browser game that teaches piano and guitar chords: a chord appears on screen, you play it on a real instrument, and your runner jumps. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.

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