A Chord
How to play A major on guitar — bright and settled — the default, happy-sounding chord.
- Notes
- A – C♯ – E
- Frets (low → high)
- x 0 2 2 2 0
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Shape
- Movable shape at fret 2
How to play A, step by step
- 1Put your index finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th).
- 2Put your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (3rd).
- 3Put your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the B string (2nd).
- 4Leave the low E string out — mute it with the side of a finger, or just avoid it as you strum.
- 5Let the A and high E strings ring open.
- 6Strum slowly and check every string sounds cleanly; if one buzzes, press closer to the fret wire and arch your fingers so they clear the neighbouring strings.
What makes a major chord
Bright and settled — the default, happy-sounding chord.
| Note | Interval | Semitones above A |
|---|---|---|
| A | root | 0 |
| C♯ | major 3rd | 4 |
| E | 5th | 7 |
Which keys use A?
A appears in these keys, so a song built on it is most likely in one of them. Each page shows the full chord set and the easiest capo position.
Other A chords
Same root, different colour. Swapping one of these into a progression is the quickest way to change its mood without changing the key.
Every major chord
The same shape moved around the neck. If you can play A you are a fret-slide away from all of these.
Frequently asked questions
- What notes are in the A chord?
- A is made of A, C♯, E — the root, major 3rd, 5th of A.
- Is A hard to play?
- No — A sits at x 0 2 2 2 0 and is rated easy, so it is comfortable for most beginners.
Got a chart full of chords like A?
Upload a chord sheet and move every chord into a key that fits your hands and your voice — the layout stays exactly as printed. Or let the capo calculator pick the position that turns the barre chords into open ones.