Chords in the key of A major

The A major scale is A – B – C# – D – E – F# – G#. Building a chord on each note gives the seven chords below, numbered with Roman numerals (uppercase for major, lowercase for minor).

C#m

iii

F#m

G#dim

vii°

7th chords in A major

Add the seventh note of the scale to each chord for a richer, jazzier sound.

Imaj7 Amaj7 ii7 Bm7 iii7 C#m7 IVmaj7 Dmaj7 V7 E7 vi7 F#m7 viiø7 G#m7b5

Common progressions in A major

I–IV–VADE
I–V–vi–IVAEF#mD
I–vi–IV–VAF#mDE
vi–IV–I–VF#mDAE
ii–V–IBm7E7Amaj7
12-bar bluesA7A7A7A7D7D7A7A7
I–V–IVAED
Canon progressionAEF#mC#mDADE

Songs in A major

Cripple CreekADE

Questions

What chords are in the key of A major?

The chords in A major are A, Bm, C#m, D, E, F#m and G#dim.

Which chords in A major are major and which are minor?

Major: A, D and E. Minor: Bm, C#m and F#m. G#dim is diminished.

What is the relative minor of A major?

F# minor. It uses the same notes and chords, but centers on F#.