ScaleRoot

A♭ Major

The major scale (Ionian mode): seven notes following whole–whole–half–whole–whole–whole–half. The foundational scale of Western tonal music, with a bright, resolved character.

Notes

1A♭

2B♭

4D♭

5E♭

Diatonic chords

Triads

7th chords

Common progressions

I–IV–V

A♭–D♭–E♭

The classic three-chord progression of rock, blues, and country.

I–V–vi–IV

A♭–E♭–Fm–D♭

The pop progression — heard in everything from "Don't Stop Believin'" to "Let It Be".

I–vi–IV–V

A♭–Fm–D♭–E♭

The 50s doo-wop progression ("Earth Angel", "Stand By Me").

vi–IV–I–V

Fm–D♭–A♭–E♭

The same chords as I–V–vi–IV, starting on the relative minor. Sounds wistful where I–V–vi–IV sounds uplifting.

ii7–V7–Imaj7

B♭m7–E♭7–A♭maj7

The fundamental cadence of jazz harmony — m7 to dominant 7 to major 7.