In this case, that note is A-flat, which as we have discussed, is a black key.Īb, as the name suggests, can be found by going directly below any A. When learning this chord, you’re going to want to start by finding what’s called the root of the chord – the note on the bottom. Let’s talk a little more about finding these notes if you’re a beginner at playing piano. Check out Ab major on the keyboard below! The Ab is known as the root of the chord, the C is the major third, and the Eb the perfect fifth. Notice that this chord has two black keys, and one white key in the middle! In its regular form (root position) the A-flat chord includes 3 notes: Ab, C, and Eb. See below for a diagram on which notes are included. You will play an Ab major chord simply by pressing down the 3 notes in the triad simultaneously. Now let’s get into the details of the Ab chord! In this post, of course, we will be exploring the flat spelling of this chord. No one likes to read music with B-sharps in it (since B# is equivalent to C). Not only does it just “sound” right, but it also has an easier spelling. Most pianists (including myself) tend to like A flat much better than G sharp. However, the spelling of these two chords are different. Your hand will be in the same place when you play both of these chords. So in a sense, like I said, Ab & G# chords are the same because they use the same exact notes. (Want to learn more about flats and sharps? See this video). Flats always go a half step down and sharps a half step up. The note Ab can also be G# (since it is both a half step UP from G and a half step DOWN from A). I know this might be confusing, but every black key on the piano has TWO names. The Ab major and G# major chords are the same physical chord but with different spellings. Because Ab is a black note, it has two names. Now, before going further, we need to talk about an important topic. If that sounds confusing, don’t worry! I’ll put it in beginner terms soon and show you lots of keyboard diagrams to help you out. The A-flat chord is basically just a chord in the family of major chords, made up of 3 notes in what’s called a triad. It is formed the same as any other major chord – by building a major third and then a minor third on top of that. When you see the term “Ab” this is an abbreviation for A Flat. A “b” is a flat sign in music theory. It can sound really beautiful down lower (right below middle C). However, A flat is in a different register from D flat and E flat. It has a nice mellow sound, much like the other flat chords like D flat and E flat. The A flat chord on the piano is one of my favorite chords.

B flat piano chord