A Major Triad Chords (Piano)

A Major is one of the most practical and rewarding keys on the piano. Its bright, resonant sound appears everywhere, from classical repertoire to modern pop. Learning the triad chords in A Major gives you a clear framework for understanding harmony instead of guessing at notes.

What Is a Triad in A Major?

A triad is a three-note chord built from alternating notes of the A major scale. Each triad stays strictly within the key, creating a family of chords that work together predictably.

A Major Chord List

All Major chords are built using the same basic formula:

I-ii-iii-IV-V-vi-vii°.

Not familiar with these symbols? Read up on roman numeral analysis

In the case of A Major, it looks like this:

  • I: A Major
  • ii: B Minor
  • iii: C♯ Minor
  • IV: D Major
  • V: E Major
  • vi: F♯ Minor
  • vii°: G♯ Diminished

I Chord: A Major

A
C
E

The A major triad is the home base of the key. It sounds settled, bright, and complete. Most pieces in A Major begin, end, or frequently return to this chord.

As you practice, listen for how grounded this chord feels compared to the others. That sense of stability helps you recognize musical resolution when reading or playing by ear.

ii Chord: B Minor

B
D
F

The B minor triad introduces gentle tension and forward motion. It often acts as a bridge between stable and more energetic harmonies.

On the keyboard, this chord is excellent for developing even tone and control, especially when played softly beneath a melody.

iii Chord: C♯ Minor

C
E
G

The C sharp minor triad has a reflective, slightly somber color. It frequently appears in expressive passages and transitional moments.

Training your ear to recognize this sound helps you anticipate emotional shifts in the music rather than reacting to them late.

IV Chord: D Major

D
F
A

The D major triad feels open and uplifting. It often supports melodic peaks or provides contrast after minor chords.

When practicing this chord, notice how naturally it wants to move either back to the tonic or forward toward the dominant. This awareness improves your harmonic intuition.

V Chord: E Major

E
G
B

The E major triad creates strong momentum. It is the chord that most clearly pulls back toward A major.

Practicing V to I movement is essential for confident piano playing. Your ear should clearly hear the tension and release that defines tonal music.

vi Chord: F♯ Minor

F
A
C

The F sharp minor triad brings depth and emotional weight. It is widely used in both classical and contemporary music to add contrast without leaving the key.

This chord is ideal for practicing voicing, especially when balancing inner notes in broken chord patterns.

vii° Chord: G♯ Diminished

G
B
D

The G sharp diminished triad is unstable and tense. It rarely stands on its own and almost always resolves quickly to another chord.

Learning to identify this sound strengthens your harmonic awareness and helps you predict what comes next in the score.

Practicing A Major Triads Musically

Instead of drilling chords in isolation, practice them in short progressions. Play them as block chords, then break them into arpeggios. Say each chord name as you play and listen for its emotional character.

Clicking on the sheet music allows you to practice these triads interactively in Chordzy. You can play directly in your browser and connect sound, notation, and technique instantly.

Putting the Chords to Work

The seven triad chords in A Major give you a complete harmonic toolkit. When you understand how they relate, your playing becomes more expressive, confident, and musical.

Click on the sheet music to start learning these chords with Chordzy today. You can begin right away, no account required, and turn harmony into something you truly hear and control at the piano.

Related Topics...

  • The Major Scale: Learn the major scales... including interactive sheet music, videos, music theory, and recordings.