The A major chord contains A – C♯ – E (Root – Major 3rd – Perfect 5th). Standard open position: x02220. It appears in A major (I), D major (V), E major (IV).
Character & Sound
Bright, powerful, and confident — the A major chord is one of the most satisfying open chords on guitar. Its three open-string voicing rings clearly and projects well acoustically.
Pop, rock, country. Appears constantly as the I chord in A major and the IV or V chord in D and E major. Essential for countless folk and rock songs.
The parallel chord is A minor — same root, minor 3rd instead of major. Compare them side by side in the Chord Finder.
How to Play the A Major Guitar Chord
Place your index, middle, and ring fingers on the 2nd fret of the B, G, and D strings respectively. Your index finger mutes the low E string. Strum from the A string down. A common alternative is to barre the 2nd fret with your index finger across strings 2–4.
Songs That Use A
- "Hotel California" – Eagles
- "Sweet Home Alabama" – Lynyrd Skynyrd
- "Don't Stop Believin'" – Journey
- "Back in Black" – AC/DC
Explore Chord Voicings Interactively
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Open Chord Finder →Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the A major chord?
The A major chord contains A – C♯ – E (root, major 3rd, perfect 5th).
How do you play A major on guitar?
The standard open position is x02220 — middle, ring, and index fingers on the 2nd fret of D, G, and B strings. Or barre the 5th fret: 577655.
What keys use the A major chord?
A major appears in A major (I), D major (V), and E major (IV).
What is the difference between A major and A minor?
A major contains A – C♯ – E. A minor lowers the C♯ to C, giving it a darker, more melancholic character while keeping the same root and fifth.