A-shape Major Chord

The A major shape is one of the first barre chords guitarists learn, usually right after the E major shape.

The core A major shape

This is the standard A major barre chord shape. Notice that the root is on the fifth string (as well as the third). That's how we know where to place the chord: with the root on a C it's a C major chord, and so on.

The common fingering is x13331, with the first finger on the fifth string and a small barre with the ring finger laid across strings 4, 3, and 2. Some players prefer x13341, to help avoid accidentally muting the 1st string.

As with all barre chords, the first finger should not clamp down across the fretboard. It should curve, pressing at the tip (on the fifth string) and, when the first string is wanted, at the side of its base.

Unlike the E shape, the A shape is an open voicing: the third is an octave above the root. The heart of this grip is the little barre on strings 4, 3, and 2, which stacks the chord tones in the order 5R3 (a second-inversion triad).

The sixth string is muted by the tip of the first finger. It's also common to reach the first finger over to the sixth string to play the perfect fifth there, for an alternating bass line.

Alternate A major grips

There are several alternatives to the barre chord grip that can be more convenient or comfortable.

Barre chord "cheat"

Like the E-major barre chord cheat grip, we can leave out the index finger barre most of the time, just playing the root note and leaving out the high note on the first string. Often we don't miss it.

This grip is typically fingered as x1333x or x1444x, muting the first string with the side of the third (or fourth) finger.

Treble triads

The treble triads can also be played by themselves: xx333x on the upper-middle strings, or xxx341 on the three highest-pitched strings.

They're useful for getting oriented, making quick chord changes, or harmonizing melodies.

Study and practice

First, learn the chord grips

Use the exercises described in How to Master New Chord Grips to get comfortable with the A major shape.

Play primary chords along the neck

Practice improvising with the A major shape, changing between the three major primary chords (I, IV and V). It's challenging to change chords across so much distance, but practice slowly and accurately and it will gradually become automatic.

Play the major pentatonic over the A chord

Practice playing the major pentatonic over the A major chord shape, alternating between playing a few notes and strumming the chord. Mix things up to keep it musical and interesting, but focus on landing on the chord tones on downbeats.

See the A-shape major pentatonic lesson for more about playing this scale over the A major chord.