

With this version, you don't have to worry about placing three fingers down and it's a much faster fingering. Strum four strings down from the A string. - Index finger on the 2nd fret of the B (2nd) string.- Index finger on the 2nd fret of the G (3rd) string.The combination of different guitar sizes, neck sizes, and different finger and hand sizes means it's perfectly OK to experiment and find a solution that works for you.Īnother way to play the A chord is to use just your index finger, like this: Don't worry, there is no "right" way to play this chord and there are many variations. You might look at the above fingering and realize it doesn't work for you.

Focus on keeping your fingers scrunched together and pressing on the strings vertically so only the tips of your fingers and not the pads touch the frets.

The biggest problem most players have with the A chord is fitting three fingers together in the span of one fret, which can be a problem if you have large fingers. Playing the A Chord: Tips and Troubleshooting As you practice more you'll be able to easily hit just those five strings and keep the low A string as the bass note. The E note is part of the A chord, so it won't sound wrong or bad if you do play it. The low E (6th) string is the only string that doesn't get played, but don't worry too much if you accidentally strum it when you're first learning this chord. Strum five strings down from the A string and let the notes ring out. - Ring finger on the 2nd fret of the B (2nd) string.- Middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G (3rd) string.- Index finger on the 2nd fret of the D (4th) string.Here is the standard way to play an A major chord in the open position: It's a pretty simple-looking shape, but it does present some challenges.

We're going to help you understand this crucial chord, as well as give you some tips for mastering the A chord and variations on how to play it. Here's just a short sample of songs that use the A chord: "Desire" by U2, "Yellow" by Coldplay, "Hey There Delilah" by the Plain White T's and R.E.M.'s "Everybody Hurts." Simply put, if you want to get anywhere with your playing, you must know how to play an A chord. The A major chord is one of the most commonly used chords in guitar playing, showing up in countless songs in every style.
