Download
1 / 8
E N D
Key of the Month: As mentioned in the “Discovering Piano Chords” course, it helps to recognize the many patterns that can be found when working with chords. You will notice that the three primary chords (in root position) in the key of A all have a pattern of two white notes with a black note in between. See lesson 3 in this course for more on chord patterns. The key of A major has 3 sharps. This can be determined by looking at the A major scale in the Scale and Chord Chart, or by using the formula to write out the notes of the A major scale (see lesson 2 for the formula for forming a major scale).
Key of the Month: A major
The Key of A Major The root chord ( A major) is formed from the 1st, 3rd, and 5th tones of the A major scale: A, C#, E. This is shown below in the root position, 1st inversion, and 2nd inversion, respectively.
The Key of A Major The 3 primary chords used in the key of A major are based on the 1st, 4th, and 5th tones of the A major scale: A, D, E. D and E are illustrated below for review. First inversion is formed by placing the root above the 5th tone. Second inversion is formed by placing the 5th tone below the root. D major: E major:
The Key of A Major Remember: While you can add more interesting chords to them, most songs can be played in a simple, easy form by using only the 3 primary chords! Practice playing the root (A), 4 chord (D), and 5 chord (E) daily until you are comfortable playing in this key. You can bring out the melody of the song easily at any point by choosing the key inversion where the top note is the melody note. Primary Chords A Major D Major E Major
The Key of A Major Tip: Minor chords based on the 2nd, 3rd, and 6th tones may frequently be used in a major key. In the key of A, these would be B minor, C# minor, and F# minor. (A minor chord is formed by lowering the 3rd tone of a major key one half step; the next key to the left, whether black or white.) Try this when you are comfortable with the primary chords of the key of A. A Major Scale Note: A B C# D E F# A G# Tone: 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 5
Key of the Month: If you are already familiar with all of the material covered in this Mini Lesson but find certain keys easier to play than others, you will still benefit from focusing on one key each month, particularly the keys that you may be less confident in. You will be surprised to find how much easier it is to play in the “hard keys” with diligent practice. Take the challenge! Thank you for checking out this Mini Lesson series. I hope you have found it helpful. Cheryl Davis
