A Chord on Guitar
A is the A major chord — 3 notes (A, C♯, E) built from the formula 1 3 5. Below are playable shapes across the fretboard, the keys it belongs to and the scales to use when soloing over it.
A: Chord shapes (open & barre)
- open position
- fret 2
- fret 5
- fret 7
- fret 9
- fret 12
A: Triad voicings (3 strings)
- bass: R
- bass: R
- bass: R
- bass: R
- bass: 3
- bass: 3
- bass: 3
- bass: 3
- bass: 5
- bass: 5
- bass: 5
- bass: 5
Keys that contain A
Scales to play over A
- A Major Scale
- A Lydian Mode
- A Major Pentatonic Scale
- A Mixolydian Mode
- A Major Blues Scale
- A Phrygian Dominant Scale
Ordered from the most common choice. All of them contain A, C♯, E.
Other A chords
Major chords in other keys
FAQ
- What notes are in the A chord?
- A (A major) contains A, C♯, E — formula 1 3 5.
- How do you play A on guitar?
- A common shape is x02220 (low E to high E, x = muted string, open position). This page shows more shapes, drop 2, drop 3 and shell voicings in the interactive library.
- What scale goes with A?
- Good choices to solo over A: A Ionian (Major), A Lydian, A Major pentatonic.
- What key is A in?
- A is diatonic in D major (V), E major (IV), A major (I), C♯ minor (♭VI), F♯ minor (♭III), B minor (♭VII).