How to Build an A Major Chord on the Guitar

Chord building on guitar helps you know why a chord is structured the way it is, rather than just playing from sheet music or tabs. Here's how to create that basic building block of many A key compositions, the A major chord.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Leave the bottom two strings open. The A string is the second string from the bottom, and the A note is your 1 or "base," so you definitely want to include that in the A major chord. The E is your fifth, and you want to include that as well.
2. Put your finger on the second fret of the D string (third from bottom). You're adding another E note to the chord. You can see a pattern developing: your A major chord is selected of only three notes, and the rest of the notes are avoided to make the harmonious sound we expect from the major chord.
3. Add a finger on the second fret of the G string (fourth from bottom). You're adding another A.
4. Insert your C#, your third. On the B string, (second from top), put your finger on the second fret yet again. The A major chord has a very simple structure, it's almost like a bar chord, in fact, it's a partial bar. All of your fingers go on the second fret. The only challenge is fitting your three fingers onto the same fret.
5. Let the top string open. You're adding another E note. Your A major chord is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Get a good understanding of the chromatic scale (one octave on your fret board). Knowing the chromatic scale will help you build all kinds of chords including A major.
• Use chord builder helpers. These tools are available online; try one to help you select the right notes for your chord.