A piano chord (A major)
A – C♯ – E
Formula 1 – 3 – 5
A inversions
An inversion keeps the same notes but puts a different one at the bottom. Use them to move to the next chord with the smallest hand movement.
Root position A
A – C♯ – E
1st inversion A/C♯
C♯ – E – A
2nd inversion A/E
E – A – C♯
Keys that contain A
Other A chords
A chord questions
What notes are in the A major chord?
A is A, C♯, E. Its formula is 1 – 3 – 5, counted from the root A.
How do you play A on piano?
With the right hand in root position, play A–C♯–E using fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb on A). With the left hand, use fingers 5, 3 and 1 from the bottom.
What are the inversions of A?
Root position: A–C♯–E; 1st inversion: C♯–E–A; 2nd inversion: E–A–C♯.
Which keys contain A?
A occurs naturally in C♯ minor (as VI), D major (as V), E major (as IV), F♯ minor (as III), A major (as I), B minor (as VII).