This scale reference contains the notes, formula, structure, positions, chords, and modes for the A Major scale on guitar. For an in-depth lesson on the major scale, please see Major Scale Patterns, Positions and Theory.
Notes of A Major Scale
The A Major scale contains 4 sharps and 3 natural notes.
A – B – C# – D – E – F# – G#
Scale Formula
The scale formula for the A Major scale is:
Root – Major 2nd – Major 3rd – Perfect 4th – Perfect 5th – Major 6th – Major 7th
| Intervals | Root | Major 2nd | Major 3rd | Perfect 4th | Perfect 5th | Major 6th | Major 7th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | A | B | C# | D | E | F# | G# |
Scale Structure
A Major follows the major scale structure of whole and half step intervals:
W W H W W W H
Scale Positions
The diagrams below outline the 5 CAGED positions for the A Major scale on the guitar.
Position 1
Position 2
Position 3
Position 4
Position 5
Chords in the Key of A Major
When you harmonize the A Major scale you get the following chords:
| Degree | I | ii | iii | IV | V | vi | vii° |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chord | A | Bm | C#m | D | E | F#m | G#dim |
| Chord Notes | A – C# – E | B – D – F# | C# – E – G# | D – F# – A | E – G# – B | F# – A – C# | G# – B – D |
Relative and Parallel Scales
Relative Minor of A Major: F sharp minor | F#m – G#dim – A – Bm – C#m – D – E
Parallel Minor of A Major: A minor | Am – Bdim – C – Dm – Em – F – G
Modes
The following are the modes of A Major:
- A Ionian (Major)
- B Dorian (Minor)
- C# Phrygian (Minor)
- D Lydian (Major)
- E Mixolydian (Major)
- F# Aeolian (Minor)
- G# Locrian (Minor)
