Scale degrees · A major
The 4 of A is D
The 4 (four) of A is D: a perfect fourth above the root.
A — the root, 1D — the 4
How to find it
Count letters first, the root included: A, B, C, D. A 4th lands on D.
Then the sound: a perfect fourth is 5 semitones above A, which is exactly where D is — no sharp or flat needed.
Where you meet it
The 4 sits a half step above the major 3rd. In a sus chord it takes the 3rd's place; an octave up it is the 11.
In Asus4:
A · D · E
The 4 in every key
| Key | The 4 |
|---|---|
| C | F |
| G | C |
| D | G |
| A | D |
| E | A |
| B | E |
| F♯ | B |
| D♭ | G♭ |
| A♭ | D♭ |
| E♭ | A♭ |
| B♭ | E♭ |
| F | B♭ |
Every degree of A
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