A Major Guitar Chord (A)
A major is a three-note chord built from A (the root), C♯ (the major third), and E (the perfect fifth). It has that unmistakable major-chord brightness: settled, optimistic, with nothing left hanging. You will meet it constantly in the key of A and its close relatives. Below are 4 ways to play it in standard tuning, easiest shape first.
A chord shapes — standard tuning
How to play it
Place your index finger on the D (4th) string at fret 2, your middle finger on the G (3rd) string at fret 2, and your ring finger on the B (2nd) string at fret 2. Let the A (5th) and high E (1st) strings ring open. Keep the low E (6th) string out of the strum — start your downstroke from the A (5th) string.
Once that shape is comfortable, try the other 3 voicings above — same notes, different neck positions and textures.
Notes in this chord
| Symbol | Interval | Note |
|---|---|---|
| R | root | A |
| 3 | major third | C♯ |
| 5 | perfect fifth | E |
Keep exploring
Other tunings
Open the interactive chord charts to see A in open G, drop D, DADGAD, and more tunings.
More A chords
Nearby major chords
A FAQ
What notes are in A?
A contains A, C♯, and E — the root (A), the major third, and the perfect fifth.
Is A a barre chord?
Not necessarily. The easiest A shape (x-0-2-2-2-0) needs no barre — it uses 3 fingers plus open strings. Barre versions exist too, starting at fret 5, and are handy when you want to move the same grip to other keys.
What is the easiest way to play A on guitar?
Start with the open position shape x-0-2-2-2-0. Place your index finger on the D (4th) string at fret 2, your middle finger on the G (3rd) string at fret 2, and your ring finger on the B (2nd) string at fret 2. Let the A (5th) and high E (1st) strings ring open. Keep the low E (6th) string out of the strum — start your downstroke from the A (5th) string.