This is brilliant, Dusty!  Thanks ever so much. 

Kathreen

Hi Kathreen,

Your question is a good one, and one that has a simple mathematical answer.  If you know the alphabet from A to G and can count to 7, you can transpose from one key to another.

If we start with D as 1, count to A.  D = 1, E = 2, F# = 3, G = 4, and A = 5.  So to move from a chord in D to a chord in A, you just count up that same amount, starting with 1 and counting up to 5.

For the main I, IV, and V chords . . .

Your chords for D in the key of D will be A in the key of A.

Your chords for G in the key of D will be D in the key of A.

Your chords for A in the key of D will be E in the key of A.

And for the relative minor chords . . . 

Bm in the key of D will be F#m in the key of A.

Em in the key of D will be Bm in the key of A.

F#m in the key of D will be C# minor in the key of A.

Does that help?  There is no reason to seek a chord chart. The chord positions are all the same ones you already know.

Some years ago I made the chart below for the most common keys in folk and old timey music.  Perhaps you'll find it helpful.

--
Dusty T., Northern California
Site Moderator

As a musician, you have to keep one foot back in the past and one foot forward into the future.
-- Dizzy Gillespie
updated by @dusty: 08/01/25 01:17:59AM

Hello, All --

I'm not exactly sure how to ask my question, but here goes.

I learned to play in the key of D, DAA.  I now have my dulcimer tuned to AEE.  I use the chord shapes for DAA (for instance, a G), but, being in the key of A, the resulting chord is not a G but something else - and I don't know how to make that translation, how to determine what chord it is in A.

I have the opportunity to jam this weekend and am concerned that when prompted to play a certain chord, I'll have no idea what it corresponds to in D to be able to play it.

Does any of this make sense?  I haven't been able to find any chord charts that include the key of A.

I'd appreciate any guidance at all!

Thanks,

Kathreen