A Piano Chord

The A major chord (A) is made of the notes A, C♯ and E. Its formula is 1 – 3 – 5.

Tap the keyboard to hear A.

Notes in A

Note	Formula	Interval from root
A	1	root
C♯	3	major 3rd
E	5	perfect 5th

How to play A on piano

Right hand: fingers 1-3-5
Left hand: fingers 5-3-1

Fingers are numbered from the thumb (1) to the little finger (5).

A inversions

root position: A

A – C♯ – E · RH 1-3-5, LH 5-3-1

1st inversion: A/C#

C♯ – E – A · RH 1-2-5, LH 5-3-1

2nd inversion: A/E

E – A – C♯ · RH 1-3-5, LH 5-2-1

Other names for A

A is also written as Amaj, AM.

Keys that contain A

D major (A is the V chord)
E major (A is the IV chord)
A major (A is the I chord)
C♯ minor (A is the VI chord)
F♯ minor (A is the III chord)
B minor (A is the VII chord)

More A chords

Major chords in every key