Scale Charts › A Major scale

A Major scale on guitar

A Major is a seven-note scale that most Western melodies are built on (do re mi). Its notes are A, B, C#, D, E, F# and G# (1 2 3 4 5 6 7). Knowing it unlocks the chords in a key, the modes and how melodies are put together. The A roots sit at fret 5 on the low E string.

How to practice it

1. Start at fret 5 on the low E string and play the box from low to high and back.
2. Say or think the note names as you play until the roots jump out.
3. Play it over a backing track in the same key and aim for the root on strong beats.
4. Chords in the key: A, Bm, C#m, D, E, F#m and G#dim.

Questions

What notes are in the A Major scale?

A, B, C#, D, E, F# and G#. The formula is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7.

Where do I start A Major on guitar?

Put your first finger on A at fret 5 of the low E string; the root is also at fret 12 of the A string. Learn that box first, then link it to the next one up the neck.

What is the relative minor of A Major?

F# Minor. It uses the same notes starting from a different root.

Also try: F# Minor scale · A Major · Scale Charts