Beginner Guitar Chords
The A Major Chord: The Sound of Rock 'n' Roll
Three fingers, one fret, endless possibilities. Here is how to master the A Chord.
If you want to play rock, blues, or pop, you need the A Major Chord. Along with E and D, it forms the backbone of guitar music. It is the driving force behind “Wild Thing,” the energy in AC/DC riffs, and the happiness in “Three Little Birds.”
Conceptually, the A chord is simple: you just press three strings on the same fret. Physically? It can feel like a traffic jam for your fingers.
Don’t worry—there are a few ways to play it, and one of them will fit your hand perfectly.
Step-by-Step: The Standard “1-2-3” A Chord
This is the textbook way to play A Major. It is best for beginners because it keeps your hand in a logical position.
The Finger Placement
All fingers go on the 2nd fret.
- Index Finger: D string (4th string).
- Middle Finger: G string (3rd string).
- Ring Finger: B string (2nd string).
- The Strum: Strum 5 strings starting from the open A string.
Alternative: The “2-1-3” Switch (Better for Crowding)
If your fingers feel too squashed in a straight line, try swapping the order. This creates a tiny triangle shape that fits into the fret easier.
- Middle Finger: D string (4th string).
- Index Finger: G string (3rd string).
- Ring Finger: B string (2nd string).
Because the Index finger is naturally thinner, tucking it in the middle often helps everyone fit!
The “Pro” Method: The 1-Finger Mini-Barre
If you have large fingers, or if you want to play fast rock riffs, the 3-finger method might be too slow. Many pros simply mash one finger down.
- Use your Index Finger to press flat across the D, G, and B strings at the 2nd fret.
- The Catch: You have to lift the tip slightly so the High E string rings out (or just mute the High E string for a crunchier rock sound).
Troubleshooting: Why Your A Chord Sounds Muted
The battle with the A chord is usually about space.
The “Dead” High E String
The Problem: The fleshy part of your Ring finger is touching the thinnest string.
The Fix: You need a steep arch in your fingers. Push your wrist forward (away from your body). Imagine you are holding a grapefruit in your left hand.
The “Buzzing” Middle Strings
The Problem: Because the fingers are crowded, one of them is too far back from the fret wire.
The Fix: You can’t fit all three fingers right next to the metal wire. Focus on getting the B string finger (Ring finger) as close to the fret wire as possible. The others can sit slightly behind it.
Mastering the A-D-E Progression with Gibson App
The A Major chord rarely hangs out alone. It is almost always played with D Major and E Major. This trio makes up the “12-Bar Blues” and thousands of rock songs.
The Gibson App is the best way to practice these changes:
- The “Anchor” Drill: We teach you how to use your Index finger as a guide to slide smoothly between the E and A chords without losing your place.
- Tempo Trainer: Start slow. The app listens to your chord changes and you can adjust the speed to your skill level.
Ready to Rock?
The A chord is your ticket to playing with attitude. Whether you squeeze three fingers in or barre it with one, once you get it down, you have unlocked the ability to rock.
Grab your guitar, find some space on that 2nd fret, and turn it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my A chord sound out of tune even when my guitar is tuned?
This is often caused by pressing too hard. Because the fret is crowded, beginners tend to squeeze with a lot of force. This can bend the strings slightly sharp. Try to use the minimum amount of pressure needed to make the note ring.
Should I play the thick Low E string?
Ideally, no. The root note is the open A string. However, if you accidentally hit the Low E, it isn’t a disaster. The note E is part of the A Major chord, so it won’t sound terrible—just a bit “heavy” or “inverted” (A/E).
My fingers are huge. Is the 1-finger method cheating?
Absolutely not. Using one finger (a partial barre) is a legitimate technique used by legends like Hendrix and Van Halen. The only downside is that it is harder to make the High E string ring clear, but for rock music, that rarely matters.