A major piano chord

How to play A on piano

First, find A, the root of this chord. Then add C♯, the major third. Add E to complete the triad.

Play the notes together to hear the harmony, or one at a time to hear how the intervals form the chord. Start at a comfortable octave; the diagram shows one reference voicing, not the only valid place to play it.

What makes A distinctive?

A major is spelled A–C♯–E. Its single black-key third makes it easy to see and hear the exact semitone that separates A major from the all-white-key A minor triad.

How does A compare with a related chord?

Alternate A major (A–C♯–E) with A minor (A–C–E). A and E do not move; only the middle note changes. Then compare A major with F♯ minor (F♯–A–C♯), which shares A and C♯ instead.

A practice exercise for A

Keep A and E held softly, moving C♯ down to C natural and back as a listening drill. Next play F♯–A–C♯ and return to A major while keeping A and C♯ in place. Name which note moved in each change.

One mistake to avoid

The note between A and E must be C♯ in A major. C natural makes A minor, while calling C♯ 'D♭' conceals the chord's written third.

Finger numbers depend on your hand size, octave and musical context; there isn't one universally correct fingering for every voicing.