Major · beginner

A major(A)

A major crams three fingers into a single fret, which makes it a finger-placement puzzle. Two fingerings are shown — pick the one that fits your hand.

Notes

AC#E

Intervals

R35

Finger placement

  1. 1Index (1), middle (2), ring (3): 2nd fret of the D, G and B strings.
  2. 2Open A string is the root. Skip the low E.
Practice this chord →
123×AEAC#E

Three fingers share one fret — keep them stacked vertically, nails almost touching.

Common mistakes

  • Three fingertips crowd each other and push one another off the strings.
  • The high E string gets muted by the ring finger.

Coaching tips

  • Try finger order 2-1-3 or the mini-barre if your fingertips are wide.
  • Keep all three fingertips just behind the 2nd fret wire.

Troubleshooting

High E is muted

Rotate your hand slightly counter-clockwise so the ring finger stands more upright.

Fingers don't fit in the fret

Stagger them diagonally, or use the mini-barre voicing with one finger.

Easier alternatives

  • Asus2 (two fingers)
  • A mini-barre

Common transitions

The changes players practice most with A major. Each opens a timed drill.

D → A

The frets don't change — only the strings. Slide, don't hop.

Start drill →with D majorA → D

Practice the fan motion in the air away from the guitar first.

Start drill →with D major

Progressions that use A

D – A – Bm – G (I–V–vi–IV in D)

D · A · Bm · G

Related guides

How to tune a guitar for beginners

Standard EADGBE tuning with a chromatic tuner: which string is which, how to approach pitch from below, and why you re-check after every pass.

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the A major chord?

A major contains A, C#, E — the intervals R, 3, 5 from the root A.

Is A major a beginner chord?

A major is rated beginner. A major crams three fingers into a single fret, which makes it a finger-placement puzzle. Two fingerings are shown — pick the one that fits your hand.

A major: high e is muted — what should I do?

Rotate your hand slightly counter-clockwise so the ring finger stands more upright.

A major: fingers don't fit in the fret — what should I do?

Stagger them diagonally, or use the mini-barre voicing with one finger.