What is the A-Flat Major Chord?
Major chords are the most common chords in Western popular music. It's no surprise since they sound happy, are easy to learn and fun to play. Learning major chords is essential to being able to play your favorite songs. The A-flat (Ab) major chord is formed from the first, third, and fifth notes of the Ab major scale. The notes, from lowest to highest are Ab, C and Eb.
How to Play the A-Flat Chord on the Piano
Pianist Lindsey Cloud shows how to play the A flat on the piano in this Mahalo.com-produced video. She supplies tips, close-ups of the chord and a detailed audio commentary to help you learn as efficiently as possible. This video is one of a series focusing on how to play the piano published on the Mahalo.com channel of YouTube.
How to Play the A-Flat Chord
In the video, Lindsey shows you how to play the Ab major chord. Start by placing your right thumb on the root (Ab). Now place your middle finger on the third (C). Finally, place your little finger on the fifth (Eb). Play all three notes at the same time. Make sure to play each note at the same volume.
Use The A-Flat Chord in Songs and Chord Progressions
Any time that a song calls for a Ab chord, you will now know how to play one. For practice, try using the Ab chord in songs. Have fun!
References
Meet Our Experts
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Lindsey Cloud
Meet Lindsey Cloud, one of Mahalo's piano experts. A musician in Los Angeles, she received her bachelor's degree in music from Rhodes College. She currently works as a regular studio session musician and, since 2006, has been a private piano teacher for students of all ages and skill levels.
In Theory
Any major triad (3 note chord) consists of the root, major third and perfect fifth of its corresponding major scale.
In the key of A-flat major, the root is Ab, the major third is C and the perfect fifth is Eb.
Major triads can also be seen as a combination of two intervals: a minor third (3 half-steps) on top of a major third (4 half-steps).http://www.tonalcentre.org/Majmintriads.html
A flat major triads should not be confused with 4-note Ab major seventh chords.
