A Major Chord on Guitar
A (A major) is made of the notes A – C# – E. The easiest guitar fingering is x02220 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play A
- Play the 5th string (A) open (A).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2 (E).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 2 (A).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2 (C#).
- Play the 1st string (high e) open (E).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 0 (open) | A | R |
| 4th string (D) | 2 | E | 5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 2 | A | R |
| 2nd string (B) | 2 | C# | 3 |
| 1st string (high e) | 0 (open) | E | 5 |
What is a A major chord?
A major chord is a triad built from the root, a major third and a perfect fifth. It is the basic "happy" chord and the first shape most guitarists learn.
Notes and formula. A contains A, C#, E. Counted from the root A, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th).
Sound. Bright, stable and resolved. Major chords feel like home base in a major key.
Where it is used. Major chords carry the verse and chorus of most pop, rock, folk and country songs. In any major key the I, IV and V chords are major.
Tips for playing A
Strum the chord slowly and listen to every string. A single muted or buzzing string is the most common reason a chord sounds "off", so press close to the fret wire, not in the middle of the fret.
Common mistake: Letting a fretting finger lean on the neighbouring string and silence it. Arch your fingers so only the tips touch the strings.
Keys that contain A
A is a diatonic chord, meaning it occurs naturally without accidentals, in these keys:
- D major – V chord
- E major – IV chord
- A major – I chord
- B minor – VII chord
- C# minor – VI chord
- F# minor – III chord
Try it in a progression: browse chord progressions for every key.
Scales to play over A
Related chords
A chord FAQ
What notes are in a A chord?
A (A major) contains the notes A, C#, E. The formula is R–3–5 relative to the root A.
How do you play A on guitar?
The most common shape for A is x02220, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Is A an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Which keys contain A?
A is a diatonic chord in D major (V), E major (IV), A major (I), B minor (VII), C# minor (VI), F# minor (III).
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