The A guitar chord is the most common chord in guitar playing and can be found in many songs of every genre. Playing an A chord is essential if you are to succeed with your guitar playing. This guide will help you to understand the chord. We also give you tips and variations to learn how to play the A chord.

What is the A chord on guitar?

The A chord is one of the basic guitar chords and one of the easiest chords to play, much like the D guitar chord. It can be played several ways, the most common is at the second fret in the open position on the guitar.

A chord

How To Play the A Chord on Guitar

This is how to play the A major chord in the open position.

A Chord Guitar Finger Positions

  1. Index finger at the 2nd fret on the D string (third string)
  2. Middle finger at the 2nd fret on the G string (fourth string)
  3. Ring finger at the 2nd fret on the B string (second string)

A common problem with the A chord is fitting three fingers together within the span of one fret, which is difficult for players with large fingers. You should keep your fingers scrunched together and press vertically on the strings so that only your tips and not your pads touch the frets. It will make your playing sound cleaner.

How to Strum The A Chord

Let the notes ring out by strumming five strings below the A string. The low E string (6th) shouldn’t be played. However, don’t worry if you accidentally strum this string when you first learn this chord. It is part of the A chord so you won’t be able to hear any difference if it is played. You’ll find it easier to hit the five strings, and the A string will remain the bass note.

Another way to play the A major chord

If the fingering above doesn’t work for you, don’t worry, there is no “right” way to play this chord. There are many variations. It is OK to experiment and find a solution that works for you due to the combination of different guitar dimensions, neck dimensions, fingers and hand sizes.

Use just your index finger to play the A chord, as shown here:

  1. Index finger at the 2nd fret on the D string (third string)
  2. Index finger at the 2nd fret on the G string (fourth string)
  3. Index finger at the 2nd fret on the B string (second string)

Starting from the A string, strumming down four strings. This version does not require you to place three fingers on the strings and is faster to finger. Furthermore, you can mute the 6th string by wrapping your thumb over the top of the neck.

A Guitar Chords Variations

The most common types of A chord.

  • A (A major chord)
  • Am (A minor chord)
  • A7
  • Am7
  • Amaj7

A barre chord variations

This chord can also be played using a barre chord. Although many beginner guitarists are intimidated by barre chords, once they have mastered them, it becomes a very useful tool.