Guitar chord · Beginner
A major chord (A) — guitar chord chart
A is a major chord built on A. Its notes are A, C♯, E. Major chords sound bright, stable and resolved — the home base of most pop, rock and folk songs.
A chord charts
Numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little). ○ open string, × don’t play. Low E string on the left.
How to play A
- Index (1) on the 4th string, fret 2 (E).
- Middle (2) on the 3rd string, fret 2 (A).
- Ring (3) on the 2nd string, fret 2 (C♯).
- Let strings 5, 1 ring open.
- Strum from the 5th string down; don’t play string 6.
- Pick the strings one at a time: each note should ring clearly — if one buzzes, move that finger closer to the fret.
Once the open shape is comfortable, try the barre version at fret 5: same chord, higher voice, and a shape you can move all over the neck.
Notes in A
| Degree | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | root |
| 3 | C♯ | major 3rd |
| 5 | E | perfect 5th |
Progressions with A
Drill these changes with the chord-change trainer and read how to change chords faster.
FAQ
- What notes are in the A chord?
- A (A major) has 3 notes: A, C♯, E.
- Is A hard to play?
- No — the open-position shape needs no barre, so it’s a good beginner chord.
- What’s the difference between A and Am?
- Am is A C E. Major chords sound bright, stable and resolved — the home base of most pop, rock and folk songs.