Basic Beginner Guitar Chords – Learn the A Major Chord

The A Major Chord is found in the A Major Scale: A B C# D E F# G# A. It is made up of the 1 (root note), 3 and 5 positions of this scale. In other words, the notes A,C# and E. Now to add more depth to the sound of the chord you add another A and E. The A note is at the root of the chord meaning the top of the chord shown in the diagram below.

This chord does give some guitarists a bit of trouble, because all three fingers have to fit on the second fret on the second, third and fourth strings. This can be particularly difficult for those of us with large fingers. I have given you three different finger variations of the A Major Chord below. Learn all three versions to find one that will best suit your style of playing and one that will allow you to move from one chord to another with ease. Just like anything else in life however, if you practice this chord enough, it will become easier. Make certain you are only strumming the first five strings as indicated in the diagram below.

A Major Chord Notes: A E A C# E

Everything on the above chart should be self explanatory, except for the last three in the third column. They may need a bit of explaining. The O, or open symbol, simply means that you do not press down on any notes on that string. The X means you do not strum that particular string. The Barre symbol means you need to barre that particular fret. When you barre a fret you are pressing down on multiple strings at the same time with one finger.