Chords in the key of A major on ukulele
The chords in the key of A major are built from the notes of the scale: A, Bm, C#m, D, E, F#m, G#dim. Almost every song in this key uses only these, with the dominant E7 leading back to A.
The chords of the key
- AI
- Bmii
- C#miii
- DIV
- EV
- E7V7
- F#mvi
- G#dimvii°
| Degree | Chord | Function |
|---|---|---|
| I | A | tonic (rest) |
| ii | Bm | subdominant (moves away) |
| iii | C#m | tonic (rest) |
| IV | D | subdominant (moves away) |
| V | E | dominant (tension) |
| V7 | E7 | dominant (tension) |
| vi | F#m | tonic (rest) |
| vii° | G#dim | dominant (tension) |
Common progressions
- Pop (I–V–vi–IV): A – E – F#m – D
- 50s (I–vi–IV–V): A – F#m – D – E
- ii–V–I: Bm – E7 – A – A
- Turnaround (I–vi | ii–V7): A F#m – Bm E7
To improvise
The A major scale works over all these chords. To start with less risk, use the major pentatonic: five notes that almost never sound wrong in this key. A major pentatonic · A major scale
Relative key: F# minor, with the same notes and a different home chord.