What is A Major?
The A Major guitar chord is formed by the notes A – C# – E and is played using the fingering x02220. It’s a major chord commonly used in A-D-E-A.
A Major Chord Diagram
Standard Position
6th (E) string: Don't play
5th (A) string: Open
4th (D) string: 2th fret
3rd (G) string: 2th fret
2nd (B) string: 2th fret
1st (E) string: Open
How to Play A Major
- Place fingertips close to the fret wire using the diagram x02220.
- Arch fingers so they don’t touch adjacent strings; keep thumb behind the neck.
- Pick each string to check for buzz or mute; adjust pressure and curl.
- Strum slow down-strums; add down–down–up–up–down–up when clean.
Pro Tip: Practice chord changes with a metronome at 70–90 BPM for one-minute rounds.
A Major Variations
A Major (Standard)
x02220
Classic A major - bright and clear
Asus2
x02200
Suspended 2nd for open, airy sound
Asus4
x02230
Suspended 4th creates tension before resolution
A Major 7th
x02120
Jazz-influenced chord with sophisticated sound
Popular Songs Using A Major
Famous Examples:
- • Free Fallin'
- • Learning to Fly
- • Blackbird
More Hits:
- • Horse with No Name
- • Helplessly Hoping
Common Chord Progressions with A Major
A-D-E-A
Classic I-IV-V-I progression in A major
A-F#m-D-E
vi-IV-I-V progression with relative minor
A-E-F#m-D
Popular modern progression
Practice Tips for A Major
1. Finger Placement
Use index finger (2nd fret D), middle finger (2nd fret G), ring finger (2nd fret B). Keep fingers close to frets.
2. Clean Strumming
Only strum from A string down - avoid the low E string for cleaner sound.
3. Practice Transitions
Focus on A to D (easy), A to E (medium), and A to F#m (challenging).
4. Bright Tone
A major has a bright, jangly quality - experiment with strumming dynamics.
Chord Family: D Major
A Major functions as V in the key of D Major.
Music Theory Behind A Major
Notes in A Major: A - C# - E
Scale: A - B - C# - D - E - F# - G# - A
Key Signature: 3 sharps (F#, C#, G#)
Relative Minor: F# minor
A major is a bright, optimistic key that's very guitar-friendly. The open A and E strings provide a rich harmonic foundation. It's commonly used in country, folk, and rock music due to its warm, resonant quality.
Master A Major Today!
A Major is perfect for beginners. Practice daily and you'll have it mastered in no time!