Chord Information
Learn how to play A5 on piano
Notes in Chord
Intervals
Inversion
Notes (bottom to top): A4 - E5
Right Hand Fingering
3=middle, 4=ring, 5=pinky
Interactive Piano
Click the highlighted keys to play the A5 chord
About the A5 Chord
The A5 power chord ranks among rock's most essential sounds. Built from A and E, this chord appears in countless songs in the keys of A, D, and E—rock's holy trinity. The open A string on guitar makes A5 naturally resonant and powerful.
What makes A5 crucial is its position in guitar tuning. The open A string (5th string) makes A5 one of the easiest, most powerful chords on guitar. This accessibility has made A5 fundamental to rock vocabulary.
On piano, A5 is simply A and E—white keys in clean, powerful configuration. The chord delivers rock energy with minimal complexity.
Music Theory & Usage
A5 appears constantly in rock music as I in A major/minor, IV in E major, or V in D major. These are rock's most common keys, making A5 essential vocabulary.
The chord defines classic rock, blues-rock, and hard rock, where its ringing power drives rhythm guitar parts.
Famous Songs Using A5
Hear how professional musicians use the A5 chord in these well-known songs:
“Back in Black”
by AC/DC
Uses A5 in its iconic opening
“Highway to Hell”
by AC/DC
Features A5 throughout
“T.N.T.”
by AC/DC
Contains A5 power chord riffs
“You Shook Me All Night Long”
by AC/DC
Uses A5 in its driving rhythm
How to Play A5 on Piano
- Place your thumb on A.
- Place your index finger on E.
- Press all keys simultaneously to hear the A5 chord.
Recommended fingering: 1-5 (right hand)
A5 Chord Inversions
The A5 chord can be played in different inversions:
Root Position
A - E (bass note: A)
First Inversion
E - A (bass note: E)
Common Chord Progressions Using A5
I-IV-V Progression
Common chord progression
I-V-vi-IV Progression
Common chord progression
Practice Tips for A5
- Start slowly and focus on pressing all keys simultaneously for a clean sound.
- Practice transitioning between A5 and other common chords to build muscle memory.
- This is a fundamental chord - master it in all inversions before moving to complex chords.
- Try playing A5 as part of simple progressions to understand its harmonic function.
Frequently Asked Questions about A5
What notes are in A5?
A5 contains A (root) and E (perfect 5th). Two white keys—clean, powerful, fundamental to rock.
Why is A5 so important?
The guitar's open A string makes A5 one of the most resonant power chords. A is also a natural tonal center for rock music, appearing constantly in common progressions.
Can A5 replace A major or A minor?
In rock contexts, yes. Power chords' ambiguity lets A5 work wherever A works. The choice depends on whether you want the power chord's rawness or the triad's definition.
How do I voice A5 powerfully on piano?
Play A and E in a low octave, possibly doubled. Strong attack and sustained pedal add power. The simplicity of two notes creates clarity that cuts through.