The A major scale is a bright, cheerful-sounding set of notes that’s used in all kinds of music—from pop and rock to classical and jazz. If you’re learning scales on piano, this scale is a great next step after mastering simpler scales like C major or D major. In this lesson, you’ll learn the notes of the A major scale, the correct fingerings for each hand, and some tips to help you practice.
A Major Scale Notes
This scale follows the same pattern as all major scales:
Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half
Starting on the note A, that gives us the following notes:
A – B – C♯ – D – E – F♯ – G♯ – A
This scale includes three sharps: C♯, F♯, and G♯.
A Major Scale on the Keyboard
Here’s what the A major scale looks like visually on the piano keyboard:
- A (white key)
- B (white key)
- C♯ (black key)
- D (white key)
- E (white key)
- F♯ (black key)
- G♯ (black key)
- A (white key, one octave higher)
Take a moment to find these notes on your keyboard before moving on to fingering.
Right-Hand Fingering
When playing the the scale ascending with your right hand, use this finger pattern:
1 – 2 – 3 – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5
Here’s how it lines up with the notes:
- A – 1 (thumb)
- B – 2
- C♯ – 3
- D – 1 (thumb crosses under)
- E – 2
- F♯ – 3
- G♯ – 4
- A – 5 (pinky)
To descend, reverse the pattern:
5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 – 3 – 2 – 1
Remember to tuck your thumb under your middle finger after the third note ascending, and cross your middle finger over your thumb after the fifth note descending.
Left-Hand Fingering
For the left hand, the fingering is slightly different:
5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 – 3 – 2 – 1 (ascending)
1 – 2 – 3 – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 (descending)
Here’s how it matches with the notes:
- A – 5 (pinky)
- B – 4
- C♯ – 3
- D – 2
- E – 1 (thumb)
- F♯ – 3 (cross over – middle finger)
- G♯ – 2
- A – 1 (thumb)
Like the right hand, you’ll need to cross your fingers at the right times to maintain a smooth, connected sound.
Practice Tips
- Go slow at first. Focus on playing evenly and using the correct fingers.
- Use a metronome to keep a steady beat.
- Say the note names out loud as you play them to reinforce your knowledge.
- Practice hands separately before putting them together.
- Once you’re comfortable, try playing two octaves, or even more!
- Practice both ascending and descending the scale.
Why Learn the A Major Scale?
Learning scales helps you:
- Improve finger strength and independence
- Understand key signatures and music theory
- Prepare for songs written in A major or related keys (like F♯ minor)
The A major scale is common in music by artists like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and many classical composers. Mastering this will open the door to a wider variety of pieces.
