Scale degrees · A♭ major
The 3 of A♭ is C
The 3 (three) of A♭ (A flat, Ab) is C: a major third above the root.
A♭ — the root, 1C — the 3
How to find it
Count letters first, the root included: A, B, C. A 3rd lands on C.
Then the sound: a major third is 4 semitones above A♭, which is exactly where C is — no sharp or flat needed.
Where you meet it
The 3 decides major or minor. With the 7 it is a guide tone: the two notes that say what a chord is.
In A♭ major:
A♭ · C · E♭
The 3 in every key
| Key | The 3 |
|---|---|
| C | E |
| G | B |
| D | F♯ |
| A | C♯ |
| E | G♯ |
| B | D♯ |
| F♯ | A♯ |
| D♭ | F |
| A♭ | C |
| E♭ | G |
| B♭ | D |
| F | A |
Every degree of A♭
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