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 , 3 and 5 positions of this scale. In other words, the notes A,C# and E.
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 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.
A Major Chord Video
Warren Latham on Mon, 17th Aug 2009 2:53 pm
Thanks very much for the opportunity to take the free
lessons. I have a guitar, but I can’t afford to take
lessons at the present.
Warren
Alex on Sat, 30th Jan 2010 6:48 pm
thanks now its easier for me to learn the chords
austin on Mon, 29th Mar 2010 10:33 pm
this might sound dorkey but thanks for teaching how to read the charts and stuff. i dont know much bout guitar but im in a school band and play tuba/sousafone(gods gift to marching band). so i know what quarternotes,rests,cresendos and all that stuff means and if anyone one needs help with any of that you can usually reach me a donaldmcbrayer@rocketmail.com. well thanks again