Zack Tabudlo's Habang Buhay is in the key of A Major, moving at 118 BPM. The Camelot code 11B tells you which neighbouring keys will sound smooth alongside it. Here's everything you need: scale, chords, raga, and related songs.
With a moderate tempo of 118 BPM, this song embodies a sense of steady momentum, creating a hypnotic atmosphere that draws the listener in. The key of A major brings a touch of warmth and optimism, often characteristic of genres that emphasize emotional depth and storytelling. The overall vibe is one of gentle intensity, making it suitable for introspective or emotive musical styles.
Scale & Notes of A Major
The A Major scale is built from these seven notes:
ABC#DEF#G#
Its relative key is F# Minor (same notes), and its parallel key is A Minor. If you're transposing or looking for a vocal-comfortable key, those are the natural neighbours.
Chords in A Major
The seven diatonic triads in this key — the chord palette most of the song will draw from:
| Degree | Chord | Quality |
|---|
| I | A | Major |
| ii | Bm | Minor |
| iii | C#m | Minor |
| IV | D | Major |
| V | E | Major |
| vi | F#m | Minor |
| vii° | G#dim | Diminished |
Indian Classical: the Khamaj thaat
In Hindustani classical terms, A Major maps to the Khamaj thaat (Western mode: Mixolydian). Mixolydian mode — major scale with a flat 7th. Common in blues, rock, and folk. Earthy, sensuous quality. Traditional listening time: Late evening to night.
If you want to sing or practise in this key, set your tonic (Sa) to A. Ragas built on this thaat:
- Khamaj — Mixolydian with both ♮7 and ♭7 (ascending/descending difference). Sensuous, romantic.
- Des — Mixolydian pentatonic (omits 2nd & 6th). Patriotic, folk-like (Late night).
- Jaijaiwanti — Mixolydian with both ♭3 and ♮3 — complex chromatic tension. Majestic, complex (Midnight).
- Tilak Kamod — Mixolydian with added ♭3 colour notes. Light, amorous (Night).
- Jhinjhoti — Mixolydian ♭3 (between Dorian and Mixolydian). Gentle, devotional (Night).
Set Tanpura to A →Practise in this key →Find another song's key →
Harmonic mixing (for DJs)
Habang Buhay sits at Camelot 11B. For a smooth harmonic transition, mix it with tracks in 10B, 11A, 12B — adjacent keys on the Camelot wheel that share most of their notes.