A Major Scale

The A major scale is a seven-note scale based on the note A, and like all major scales, it follows a specific pattern of whole and half steps. The major scale is often described as having a "bright" or "happy" sound due to its intervals.

The major scale follows this interval pattern:
Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half

Key signature: 3 sharps (F#, C#, G#)

A to B = Whole step (2 semitones)
B to C# = Whole step (2 semitones)
C# to D = Whole step (2 semitones)
D to E = Half step (1 semitone)
E to F# = Whole step (2 semitones)
F# to G# = Whole step (2 semitones)
G# to A = Half step (1 semitone)

The A major scale is commonly used in a wide variety of music, from classical to pop to rock. It's one of the most frequently played scales on the piano and guitar.

The I-IV-V progression (A - D - E) is one of the most popular chord progressions in Western music and can be heard in countless songs across genres like rock, country, blues, and more.

On the guitar, the A major scale is often played in open position, starting from the open A string. It’s a good scale for beginners to learn because of its accessibility.

In classical music, the A major scale is used for both melodic and harmonic purposes, including in tonic-dominant relationships where A major (I) and E major (V) are used for cadences.