The A major chord (A) is made of the notes A, C# and E. It is built from the root A with a major third and a perfect fifth.
The major chord is the most common one: a stable, bright sound found in almost every pop, rock and folk song.
A major
Notes: A – C# – E
Guitar — positions on the neck
Piano — root position and inversions
Fingerings and positions
On guitar, this chord can be played in 6 ways along the neck. The lowest shape is an open chord (no barre), easier for beginners. Example fingering (from the low E string to the high E string, x = muted string): x02220. On piano, the right hand plays 3 notes, in root position or in an inversion.
Notes and intervals
Note
Interval
A
root
C#
major third
E
perfect fifth
In which keys? The A major chord is the V of D major, the IV of E major, the I of A major, the VI of C# minor, the III of F# minor and the VII of B minor.
The notes of the A major chord (A) are A, C# and E.
How do you play the A major chord on guitar?
On guitar, this chord can be played in 6 ways along the neck. The lowest shape is an open chord (no barre), easier for beginners. Example fingering (from the low E string to the high E string, x = muted string): x02220.
How is the A major chord built?
The A major chord (A) is made of the notes A, C# and E. It is built from the root A with a major third and a perfect fifth.