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A major scale

The A major scale is made of the notes A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G♯. It has 7 notes; compared with the major scale its formula is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7.

Major · 7 notes

Note names
  1. 1A
  2. 2B
  3. 3C♯
  4. 4D
  5. 5E
  6. 6F♯
  7. 7G♯

PatternW – W – H – W – W – W – H(W = whole step, H = half step)

The reference scale of tonal music: every other scale is measured against it. Degrees are shown relative to the major scale: ♭3 is the third lowered by a half step, ♯4 the fourth raised.

Open in the scale finderGo to the key of A major

Mode and chords

The most used scale in Western music: seven notes, with half steps between the 3rd and 4th and between the 7th and 8th degrees. It sounds bright and stable, and it is the starting point for chords, keys and every other scale.

Used overAmaj7A6Amaj9

Put it into practice

The scale played in thirds over one octave: one of the exercises MEG generates from this scale.

Generate more exercises on this scale

Chords built on the scale

Frequently asked questions

What are the notes of the A major scale?
The notes are A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G♯.
What is the pattern of the A major scale?
The sequence of steps is W – W – H – W – W – W – H (W = whole step, H = half step); compared with the major scale the degrees are 1 2 3 4 5 6 7.
Which chords is the A major scale used over?
It is used over Amaj7, A6, Amaj9: the chords on the tonic made of the notes of the scale.

Texts and tools by , professional musician and developer. Last updated: October 9, 2026.