To play the Ab major piano chord, begin by locating the note Ab, which is the middle of the three black keys. Once you’ve found it, combine Ab with C and Eb to create the Ab major piano chord.
Notes in the Ab major chord
The Ab major piano chord consists of three notes Ab, C and Eb. These three notes together create the Ab major triad, a bright and happy chord.
To play this chord in its root position (basic form) with your right hand, use these fingers:
- Eb – Fourth finger (4)
- C – Second finger (2)
- Ab – Thumb (1)
For the left hand, use the following fingers:
- Eb – Thumb (1)
- C – Third finger (3)
- Ab – Fifth finger (5)
The inversions of Ab major chord
The inversions of the Ab major piano chord are created by rearranging the notes in a chord. These chord inversions allow you to achieve different harmonic textures and smoother transitions between chords.
The Ab major piano chord has two inversions:
- First Inversion: This inversion moves Ab to the top, placing C as the lowest note.
- Second Inversion: This inversion shifts both Ab and C to the top, making Eb the lowest note.
How to play Ab major chord first inversion?
To play the first inversion of the Ab major piano chord, start with C as the lowest note. Next, play Eb above it and finally, place Ab at the top. This change of the note stacking is useful for smooth chord transitions.
For the right hand, use these fingers:
- Ab – Fifth finger (5)
- Eb – Middle finger (3)
- C – Thumb (1)
For the left hand, use these fingers:
- Ab – Thumb (1)
- Eb – Third finger (3)
- C – Fifth finger (5)
How to play Ab major chord second inversion?
To play the 2nd inversion of the Ab major piano chord, start with Eb as the lowest note. Then, play Ab above it, and finally, add C at the top. This alternative voicing gives the chord a fresh feel while making it simpler to transition fluidly between chord progressions when used well.
For the right hand, use these fingers:
- C – Fifth finger (5)
- Ab – Middle finger (3)
- Eb – Thumb (1)
For the left hand, use these fingers:
- C – Thumb (1)
- Ab – Third finger (3)
- Eb – Fifth finger (5)
Ab major chord progression
The Ab major chord progression appears in an assortment of musical genres, including pop, rock, jazz and classical. These chord progressions contribute to dynamic movement and create the emotional and harmonic backbone of compositions. An Ab major chord progression often includes chords like Ab, Db, Eb and Fm.
Here are some popular Ab major piano chord progressions:
- Fm – Ab – Db – Eb
- Ab – Db – Eb – Eb
- Ab – Db – Ab – Eb
- Db – Eb – Db – Ab
Playing these chord patterns regularly will improve your familiarity with Ab major on piano and make transitions between chords feel more natural.
These progressions highlight the versatility of the Ab major chord progression, offering a range of moods from uplifting to powerful. They are a great way to put your knowledge of piano chords to the test. To understand these chord symbols and how to play them, check out Skoove’s tailor-made beginner chord progression courses.
Piano chords generator
💡 If you are reading this from a mobile device, rotate it to display the tool in full width.
1. Click on “Chords”
2. Choose the “Root” of the chord
3. Choose the “Chord qualities” (major, minor, etc.)
4. Click “Display”
Popular songs to play with the Ab major piano chord
All the Things You Are – Frank Sinatra
Author of this blog post:
Matthew Dickman
With over a decade of experience in music education Matthew holds a BA in Music from Paul McCartney’s LIPA and an MA in Composition from the University of Salford. Mathew has developed a distinctive compositional voice and approach to music theory education through his research and work in the music industry. Matthew’s writing for Skoove combines experience from orchestral and media composition, and as a gigging jazz musician, to create a wholistic and accessible pedagogy for musicians of any level. Away from music, he enjoys reading and exploring nature to expand his horizons and knowledge contributing to his holistic teaching style.
