Understanding guitar chords in different keys is fundamental to becoming a proficient guitar player. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential guitar chords in the key of A major. Knowing these chords and how they relate to each other will unlock a world of musical possibilities, from playing your favorite songs to writing your own music. Just like any major key, the key of A major is built upon a scale, and from that scale, we derive a set of seven diatonic chords. Let’s dive into the chords that make up the key of A and how you can use them.
The 7 Chords in the Key of A Major
Every major key in music is constructed from seven chords, each built upon a degree of the major scale. The key of A major is no different. These chords follow a consistent pattern of major, minor, and diminished qualities. Here’s a table summarizing the chords in the key of A major:
| Degree | I | ii | iii | IV | V | vi | vii |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chord | A Major | B Minor | C# Minor | D Major | E Major | F# Minor | G# Dim |
| Chart |
Key Pattern to Remember: In any major key, the chord qualities follow a consistent pattern: Major (I), minor (ii), minor (iii), Major (IV), Major (V), minor (vi), diminished (vii). This pattern is crucial for understanding chord relationships in all major keys, not just A major.
Popular Chord Progressions in the Key of A
Chord progressions are the backbone of most songs, and understanding common progressions in the key of A will greatly expand your playing repertoire and songwriting ability. Here are some popular and versatile chord progressions using chords from the key of A:
| Progression | Chords | Description | Examples in Songs |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-IV-V | A-D-E | Classic and fundamental progression, very common. | “Twist and Shout” (The Beatles), “Louie Louie” (The Kingsmen) |
| I-IV-I-V | A-D-A-E | Variation of I-IV-V, adds a turnaround. | Many blues and rock songs |
| I-V-vi-IV | A-E-F#m-D | Pop-rock progression, emotionally resonant. | “Don’t Stop Believin'” (Journey), “Let It Be” (The Beatles) |
| I-ii-IV-V | A-Bm-D-E | Jazzy and sophisticated feel. | “Autumn Leaves” (Jazz Standard) |
| I-vi-ii-V | A-F#m-Bm-E | Another common and pleasing progression. | “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” (Bob Dylan) |
| I-vi-IV-V | A-F#m-D-E | Similar to I-vi-ii-V, but with a slightly different feel. | “With or Without You” (U2) |
Experiment with these chord progressions. Try strumming them in different rhythms and tempos to discover the various moods and vibes you can create. These progressions are a fantastic starting point for songwriting or improvising in the key of A.
The Theory Behind the Chords: Building Chords from the A Major Scale
Why these specific chords in the key of A? The answer lies in music theory and the A major scale. All chords within a major key are derived from the notes of its corresponding major scale. Therefore, to understand the chords in A major, we first need to look at the A major scale:
A Major Scale Notes: A – B – C# – D – E – F# – G# – A
Each note in this scale corresponds to a scale degree (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.). To build chords, we use a concept called triads. Triads are three-note chords built by stacking intervals of thirds. Specifically, we use the 1st, 3rd, and 5th degrees of the scale to form each chord.
To determine whether a chord is major, minor, or diminished, we look at the intervals between these notes.
- Major Triad: Built with a major third and a minor third (root, major third, perfect fifth).
- Minor Triad: Built with a minor third and a major third (root, minor third, perfect fifth).
- Diminished Triad: Built with two minor thirds (root, minor third, diminished fifth).
Let’s break down how each chord in the key of A is constructed from the A major scale:
-
A Major (I Chord):
- Root of the chord: A (1st degree of the A major scale)
- 3rd: Count three notes up from A in the A major scale: A – B – C#
- 5th: Count five notes up from A in the A major scale: A – B – C# – D – E
- Notes: A – C# – E (Major Triad – Major Chord)
-
B Minor (ii Chord):
- Root of the chord: B (2nd degree of the A major scale)
- 3rd: Count three notes up from B in the A major scale: B – C# – D
- 5th: Count five notes up from B in the A major scale: B – C# – D – E – F#
- Notes: B – D – F# (Minor Triad – Minor Chord)
-
C# Minor (iii Chord):
- Root of the chord: C# (3rd degree of the A major scale)
- 3rd: Count three notes up from C# in the A major scale: C# – D – E
- 5th: Count five notes up from C# in the A major scale: C# – D – E – F# – G#
- Notes: C# – E – G# (Minor Triad – Minor Chord)
-
D Major (IV Chord):
- Root of the chord: D (4th degree of the A major scale)
- 3rd: Count three notes up from D in the A major scale: D – E – F#
- 5th: Count five notes up from D in the A major scale: D – E – F# – G# – A
- Notes: D – F# – A (Major Triad – Major Chord)
-
E Major (V Chord):
- Root of the chord: E (5th degree of the A major scale)
- 3rd: Count three notes up from E in the A major scale: E – F# – G#
- 5th: Count five notes up from E in the A major scale: E – F# – G# – A – B
- Notes: E – G# – B (Major Triad – Major Chord)
-
F# Minor (vi Chord):
- Root of the chord: F# (6th degree of the A major scale)
- 3rd: Count three notes up from F# in the A major scale: F# – G# – A
- 5th: Count five notes up from F# in the A major scale: F# – G# – A – B – C#
- Notes: F# – A – C# (Minor Triad – Minor Chord)
-
G# Diminished (vii Chord):
- Root of the chord: G# (7th degree of the A major scale)
- 3rd: Count three notes up from G# in the A major scale: G# – A – B
- 5th: Count five notes up from G# in the A major scale: G# – A – B – C# – D
- Notes: G# – B – D (Diminished Triad – Diminished Chord)
By understanding this process, you can derive the chords in any major key. Simply identify the major scale for that key, and then build triads on each scale degree using the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes from that scale.
Practical Tips for Using Chords in the Key of A
- Start with the Basics: Begin by mastering the most common chords: A major, D major, and E major. These three chords (I-IV-V) form the foundation of countless songs in the key of A.
- Practice Chord Transitions: Smooth transitions between chords are essential for fluid playing. Practice switching between A-D, A-E, and D-E to build muscle memory and improve your timing.
- Explore Different Voicings: The chord diagrams provided are just one way to play each chord. Explore different voicings and inversions to add variety and richness to your playing.
- Learn Songs in the Key of A: The best way to internalize these chords is to learn songs that are written in the key of A major. Pay attention to how the chords are used in context and try to identify the chord progressions.
- Write Your Own Music: Once you are comfortable with the chords in the key of A and common progressions, start experimenting with songwriting. Use these chords as building blocks to create your own melodies and songs.
Conclusion
Mastering the guitar chords in the key of A major is a significant step in your musical journey. By understanding the chords, their relationships, and the underlying theory, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for music and unlock new creative possibilities on the guitar. Continue to practice, explore different keys, and expand your knowledge of guitar theory to become a well-rounded and versatile guitar player. Don’t forget to explore guitar chords in other keys to broaden your musical horizons!
