How to Play a 5 String A# Chord for Guitar

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By Matthew Warnock
eHow Contributing Writer

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Play a 5 String A# Chord for Guitar

The five string A# chord is one of the few guitar chords that appears above the 12th fret and is found in common use. Because the majority of the notes are behind the 12th fret, this chord is easy to grab on an electric guitar, and is not too difficult to play on a cut-away acoustic or nylon string guitar. If you play a traditional classical guitar, this chord will require a bit of a stretch, but is not out of reach for any level player.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Position the left-hand index finger across the top three strings on the tenth fret. When all of the other fingers are in place, the index finger will sound two notes: the fifth of the chord, E#(F), on the third string and the third of the chord, CX (D), on the first string.
Step 2

Place the left-hand middle finger on the 11th fret of the second string to produce the note A#, the root of the chord.
Step 3

Position the left-hand ring finger on the 12th fret of the fourth string, which is the third of the chord, the note CX (D).
Step 4

Place the left-hand pinky finger on the 13th fret of the fifth string. This is the note A#, which is the root of the chord.
Step 5

Strum all five strings with a pick or right-hand fingers to produce the five string A# chord. Be careful not to hit the lowest string, as it is not a part of the chord.

Tips & Warnings

Keeping the left-hand thumb directly behind the middle finger--and facing straight up and down--will make it easier to play the five string A# chord for guitar.

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