A major scale diatonic chords
A major scale seventh chords
scale
Fretboard diagram
A major scale — chords and intervals
Harmonizing the A major scale produces the most foundational chord family in Western music. The diatonic chords follow a major-minor-minor-major-major-minor-diminished pattern that has powered countless hit songs. The chords built from A major are Amaj7, Bm7, C#m7, Dmaj7, E7, F#m7, G#m7b5. The I-IV-V progression is the backbone of pop, rock, and country, while the I-V-vi-IV pattern has become the most popular progression in modern songwriting. Use the ii chord as a gentle pre-dominant and the vii° as a passing tension. Commonly used in Pop, Classical, Country, Folk, Rock. Notable players include The Beatles, Taylor Swift, John Mayer.
The A major scale has the following degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7.
Intervals: W-W-H-W-W-W-H.
Diatonic chords: Amaj7, Bm7, C#m7, Dmaj7, E7, F#m7, G#m7b5.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | Amaj7 |
| ii | Bm7 |
| iii | C#m7 |
| IV | Dmaj7 |
| V | E7 |
| vi | F#m7 |
| vii° | G#m7b5 |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (Amaj7) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (Bm7) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (C#m7) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (Dmaj7) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (E7) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (F#m7) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (G#m7b5) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the A major scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the A major scale on guitar.
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over major triads, Maj7, Maj9, and any diatonic chord within the key. The default choice for major-key songwriting.