Ab Major Triad

Chord Tones: Ab Major Triad

Symbol: M, maj, (none) — Formula: 1-3-5

Degree	Note	Frequency (A=440, Equal)
1	Ab	415.305 Hz
3	C	261.626 Hz
5	Eb	311.127 Hz

Chord Notation

Notation Type	Symbol / Value
Lead Sheet Symbol	AbM
All Common Symbols	M, maj, (none)
Interval Formula	1-3-5
Harmonic Category	consonant

Roman numeral (e.g. I, IV, V) and Nashville Number notation are key-dependent. See Keys pages for chord function within specific keys.

Inversions

Inversion	Notes (low to high)	Bass Note	Slash Notation
Root Position	Ab – C – Eb	Ab	Ab Major Triad
First Inversion	C – Eb – Ab	C	Ab Major Triad/C
Second Inversion	Eb – Ab – C	Eb	Ab Major Triad/Eb

Harmonic Function

The Ab major chord commonly functions as the submediant (♭VI) in C minor or subdominant in E♭ major. Its harmonic role varies by key — in major keys it provides stable harmonic grounding.

The major triad is the most fundamental chord in Western music, built from the root, major third, and perfect fifth. It has a bright, stable, and resolved sound.

Common Progressions

The Ab Major Triad frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):

I-IV-V-I
I-V-vi-IV

Songs Featuring the Major Triad

Well-known songs where the Ab Major Triad — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:

Let It Be – Beatles
Don't Stop Believin' – Journey
Imagine – John Lennon

Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments

Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.

Note	Equal Temp.	Pythagorean	Just Intonation
Ab	415.305 Hz	417.657 Hz	418.601 Hz
C	261.626 Hz	260.740 Hz	261.626 Hz
Eb	311.127 Hz	309.026 Hz	313.951 Hz

Scales Containing the Ab Major Triad

These scales include the Ab Major Triad as a diatonic or characteristic chord:

Ab major Ab lydian Ab mixolydian Major Triad in all roots