ScaleRoot

A Major

The major scale (Ionian mode): seven notes following whole–whole–half–whole–whole–whole–half. The foundational scale of Western tonal music, with a bright, resolved character.

Notes

3C♯

6F♯

7G♯

Diatonic chords

Triads

7th chords

Common progressions

I–IV–V

A–D–E

The classic three-chord progression of rock, blues, and country.

I–V–vi–IV

A–E–F♯m–D

The pop progression — heard in everything from "Don't Stop Believin'" to "Let It Be".

I–vi–IV–V

A–F♯m–D–E

The 50s doo-wop progression ("Earth Angel", "Stand By Me").

vi–IV–I–V

F♯m–D–A–E

The same chords as I–V–vi–IV, starting on the relative minor. Sounds wistful where I–V–vi–IV sounds uplifting.

ii7–V7–Imaj7

Bm7–E7–Amaj7

The fundamental cadence of jazz harmony — m7 to dominant 7 to major 7.