Home / Keys / A Major
Three sharps — F♯, C♯, G♯

Chords in the Key of A Major

The midpoint between the open keys and the barre-heavy ones.

The Tonic
Tonic
A
I · Tonic
1
The Other Six Diatonic Chords
ii2
Bm
Supertonic
iii3
C#m
Mediant
IV4
D
Subdominant
V5
E
Dominant
vi6
F#m
Submediant
vii°7
G#dim
Leading Tone
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Load the key of A Major onto the fretboard.

See how all seven chords sit together, and hear what makes each degree do its job.

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Questions about the key of A Major

What are the 7 chords in the key of A Major?

The key of A Major contains A, Bm, C#m, D, E, F#m, G#dim. In Roman numerals that's I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii° — the tonic (A) is home, and the dominant (E) creates the tension that resolves back to it.

Why is A major so common in blues and rock?

Because its three primary chords — A, D and E — are all easy open shapes that sit naturally under the hand, and the key's open A string gives riffs a strong low anchor. It's a comfortable place to play loud rhythm guitar, which is exactly what blues and rock ask for.

Related keys

D MajorKeyE MajorKey