A Major Guitar Chord (A)
A is three fingers in one fret. x02220, all lined up on the second. Players argue forever about which three fingers. Any answer that rings is right. With D and E it covers a blues in A end to end.
A crowds three toppings onto one slice.
A chord shapes in 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.
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. That's 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.