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A Major Chord

Chord Diagram

A major chord fingering diagram for guitar. Place your index finger on the second fret of the D string, middle finger on the second fret of the G string, and ring finger on the second fret of the B string. The low E string is not played, while the A and high E strings are played open.123EADGBE

X = Don't play this string

O = Play open string

Numbers = Finger placement

Finger Positions

1st Finger (Index)

2nd fret of the D string (4th string)

2nd Finger (Middle)

2nd fret of the G string (3rd string)

3rd Finger (Ring)

2nd fret of the B string (2nd string)

Pro Tip: Keep your fingers close to the frets for cleaner sound. All three fingers go on the same fret!

A Chord Variations

A Major 7

Add jazzy flavor

x02120

Asus2

Open, airy sound

x02200

Asus4

Creates tension

x02230

Common Progressions with A

A - D - E

Classic 3-chord progression in A major

A - F#m - D - E

Popular in rock and pop music

A - Bm - E

Great for folk and country songs

Practice Tips for A Chord

Common Mistakes

  • • Accidentally playing the low E string
  • • Not pressing strings firmly enough
  • • Fingers too far from the frets
  • • Crowding all fingers together

Practice Exercises

  • • Practice placing all three fingers at once
  • • Work on A → D → E progression
  • • Try different strumming patterns
  • • Practice barre chord version at 5th fret

Popular Songs Using A Chord

Wonderwall

Oasis

Beginner

Yellow

Coldplay

Beginner

Good Riddance

Green Day

Beginner

Knocking on Heaven's Door

Bob Dylan

Beginner

Horse with No Name

America

Beginner

Free Bird

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Intermediate