Squeezebox StudioA major on a B/C button accordion
A major uses A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯ and G♯. On a B/C you can play the whole scale up from A3 and A4.
From A3 to A4
No single row has every note of this octave, so you have to cross between the rows. This is the way with the fewest changes of bellows: two going up, and four moves between rows.
| Note | Buttons |
|---|---|
| A3 | 1′ pull |
| B3 | 3 push, 2′ pull |
| C♯4 | 3 pull |
| D4 | 3′ pull |
| E4 | 4 pull, 4′ push |
| F♯4 | 5 push |
| G♯4 | 5 pull |
| A4 | 5′ pull |
From A4 to A5
No single row has every note of this octave, so you have to cross between the rows. This is the way with the fewest changes of bellows: two going up, and four moves between rows.
| Note | Buttons |
|---|---|
| A4 | 5′ pull |
| B4 | 6 push, 6′ pull |
| C♯5 | 7 pull |
| D5 | 7′ pull |
| E5 | 8 pull, 7′ push |
| F♯5 | 8 push |
| G♯5 | 9 pull |
| A5 | 9′ pull |
Above and below
From A2 the scale is incomplete: this box has no A2, B2, C♯3 or D3. Tunes that go that far down will need a different note there, or a different key.
From A5 the scale is incomplete: this box has no D6, G♯6 or A6. Tunes that go that far up will need a different note there, or a different key.
Tab is only the start
A scale shows where the notes are, but a tune rarely runs straight up the octave. Whether you play a note on the push or the pull depends on the notes either side of it, the rhythm, and whether you play along the rows or across them. Along or across the rows explains the difference.
Same notes, different home: B Dorian.
Other keys on a B/C: G major, D major, C major, F major, E major, E minor, A minor, B minor, D minor, G minor, A Dorian, E Dorian, D Dorian, B Dorian, G Dorian, D Mixolydian, A Mixolydian, G Mixolydian, C Mixolydian. Or see every key compared and the B/C button chart.