How to play the A chord on guitar
A squeezes three fingers into the 2nd fret on neighbouring strings, which is crowded for most hands, and the 1st string still has to ring open.
The 3D hands holding A. Switch to 0.5× and turn the guitar to see each finger.
Where the fingers go
- Index finger (1) on the D (4th) string, fret 2.
- Middle finger (2) on the G (3rd) string, fret 2.
- Ring finger (3) on the B (2nd) string, fret 2.
- Let A (5th) and high E (1st) ring open.
- Do not play low E (6th).
Notes in the chord: A – E – C#
Tips
- Stagger the fingers: the one on the 4th string sits closest to the nut, the one on the 2nd string closest to the fret, so all three fit side by side.
- Start the strum on the open 5th string. The 6th string stays out.
- Many rock players flatten one finger across all three strings instead (the shape below). Faster to grab; the 1st string often ends up muted, which is fine in a band.
Easier ways to play A
A (one-finger)
x 0 2 2 2 0
Lay the index flat across strings 4 to 2 at the 2nd fret. If the 1st string buzzes, let it be muted.
Asus2
x 0 2 2 0 0
Lift the finger off the 2nd string. Two fingers, open and close to A in most strummed songs.
Practise A inside a real song
Paste the chords of any song that uses A, or snap a photo of the sheet. SnapFret plays it with the hands, and you can loop the change you find hardest.
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