A guitar chord
The A chord (A major) is built from the notes A, C# and E, formula 1–3–5. It appears in A major (as I), E major (as IV) and D major (as V).
- Notes
- A C# E
- Type
- major
- Level
- Beginner
OpenShape 1 of 4
x02220How to play A
The standard open A shape is x02220. It needs 3 fingers and stays in the first few frets, so it is one of the chords most players learn early.
Bright, stable and settled. Major chords are the backbone of most songs.
Other ways to play it
Songs with A
Questions
What notes are in the A chord?
A contains A, C# and E. Its formula is 1–3–5.
Is A hard to play on guitar?
No. The open shape (x02220) is beginner-friendly and doesn't need a barre.
What songs use the A chord?
In our songbook, Ode to Joy, Blessed Assurance, Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing and 11 more songs use A.