A major guitar chord
Three fingers stacked on the second fret. A major is a workhorse chord and the shape behind the movable A-shape barre chord.
Play it
Two ways to finger A
Acoustic samples load on first play; a synth preview is used if they are still loading. Best with headphones.
Open A
Start here
A barre (5th fret)
Same chord, higher up the neck
Finger numbers are shown inside the dots. An X means “do not play this string”; an open circle means the string rings open. Audio uses acoustic guitar samples, with a synthesized fallback.
How to play A
A major stacks three fingers on the second fret and lets the high E ring. It is a bright, punchy chord and the shape behind the movable A-shape barre chord.
The open A shape uses the A, D, G, and B strings, with the high E left open. The three fretted notes are all on the 2nd fret, which makes the shape compact but crowded.
A is the V chord in D major and the home chord in A major. It is also the basis for the A-shape barre chord: move the same shape up the neck and you can play major chords in every key.
Fingering steps
- Put your index finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the B string.
- Strum from the A string down, leaving the high E open.
- Check that all three fretted notes are clear and that the high E is not muted.
- If the shape feels too cramped, try barring the three strings with one finger as an alternative.
- If you plan to play barre chords, try the 2-3-4 fingering: middle on D/2, ring on G/2, pinky on B/2. It leaves the index free, which is exactly what the A-shape barre needs.
Why it sounds bad (and how to fix it)
The high E is muted
The ring finger on the B string often leans into the high E. Keep it curled and let the high E ring open.
The low E rings
A major does not use the low E. Start your strum on the A string or mute the low E.
The three fingers fight for space
Angle your fingers slightly and use the tips, not the flats. The A shape rewards precise placement.
Practice drill
- Practice A–D changes, keeping the fingers close to the 2nd fret.
- Try A–E–D and listen for the difference between the open A and the barre A shape.
Use it in a progression
- A – D – E (I–IV–V in A)
- A – E – D – A
FAQ
Why is A major so cramped?
Three fingers share the same fret. Using your fingertips and keeping the hand relaxed makes the shape much easier.
Can I barre A major with one finger?
Yes, many players barre the D, G, and B strings at the 2nd fret. It can be easier for quick changes, but the standard three-finger shape gives more control.
What is the easiest way to move from A to D?
Keep your index finger near the 2nd fret and move the other fingers together. Practice the change slowly before increasing speed.
This page uses standard chord voicings. If a fingering still buzzes, the problem is usually the hand position, not the diagram.