How to Play an Ab Chord for Guitar

The Ab chord is the highest chord on the fifth string that can be played before reaching the octave mark at the twelfth fret. The particular Ab voicing sounds really good when playing in a group with two guitars. When one guitar plays a lower register Ab chord, and the other plays this upper register chord, the effect can be very powerful.

Instructions

1. Place the left hand index finger on the eleventh fret of the fifth string. This is the root note Ab. Placing the left hand fingers in the middle, or right side, of the frets will ensure greater sustain and fatter tone.

2. Position the left hand middle finger on the thirteenth fret of the fourth string. This is the fifth of the chord Eb.

3. Place the left hand ring finger on the thirteenth fret of the third string. This is the root of the chord Ab.

4. Position the left hand pinkie finger on the thirteenth fret of the second string, which is the third of the chord C.

5. 

   Strum all four notes to produce an Ab chord. Watch that you do not hit the sixth or first strings as they are not a part of this chord.

Tips & Warnings

• Training the right hand to only hit the middle four strings is much more beneficial than muting the sixth string with the left hand thumb.

Resources

• Chord practice guide
• Guitar lessons