Understanding Chord Progressions: A Minor, E Major, and F Major

Musicians often wrestle with the challenge of identifying the key of a piece based on the given chord progression. In this article, we will break down the progression A minor, E major, and F major to determine the key it is played in. By examining the notes in these chords and applying some basic principles of music theory, we can accurately identify the key and expand our understanding of chord progressions.

The Notes in Each Chord

Let's first look at the notes in each of the provided chords:

A minor: The notes are A, C, and E. E major: The notes are E, G, and B. F major: The notes are F, A, and C.

Interestingly, none of the chords contain a D or a D# (D sharp). This absence will be crucial in determining the key.

A Harmonic Minor Scale and Its Implications

One important thing to note is that the absence of a D or D# suggests that a D natural is used, which is a key indicator of the A harmonic minor scale. The A harmonic minor scale consists of the following notes:

A B C D E F G# A

However, given the progression, we need to consider the function of each chord in the context of a minor key.

Chord Function and Key Determination

In the provided chord progression, we have:

A minor - This is the tonic or 1 chord in a minor key. F major - This is the b6 or submediant chord in a minor key. E major - This is the 5 chord in a minor key.

The presence of F major, in particular, is important because it functions as the b6 chord in A minor. This b6 chord is a fundamental part of many common minor key progressions and is the key to determining the key of the piece.

Conclusion: The Key of A Minor

By analyzing the notes in the provided chord progression and understanding the functions of each chord, we can confidently conclude that the key of the piece is A minor. The presence of A minor (1), F major (6 flat), and E major (5) strongly supports the key signature of A harmonic minor, with the exact notes reflecting a natural minor scale.

Understanding these principles can greatly enhance your ability to identify and analyze chord progressions, which is crucial for any musician or music theory enthusiast. Whether you're playing guitar, piano, or any other instrument, knowing how to determine the key of a piece can help you play and perform with greater confidence and accuracy.