Beginner · No barre

A

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Fingering and position

Place the index on the 2nd fret of the D string, the middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, the ring finger on the 2nd fret of the B string. 2 strings ring open. One string is muted, do not play it.

Difficulty

The A chord is rated beginner. A great starting point for new guitarists.

Often paired chords

Exercise: shuffle it in

A chord on its own gets forgotten. The right reflex: shuffle it with the chords you already know. Launch a shuffle that includes this chord and play it 10 times in different contexts.

The A chord truly comes alive in motion. Launch a shuffle that includes it and play it across 3 or 4 different contexts: that is the best way to embed it in finger memory. Category: Beginner.

Play a shuffle with A

Frequently asked questions

What is the fingering for the A chord on guitar?
Place the index on the 2nd fret of the D string, the middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, the ring finger on the 2nd fret of the B string. 2 strings ring open. One string is muted, do not play it.
Is the A chord easy for a beginner?
The A chord is rated beginner. A great starting point for new guitarists.
Does the A chord require a barre?
No, A is played without a barre: it is an open chord, accessible to beginners.
Which chords pair well with A on guitar?
A pairs naturally with D, E, G, C. Practise them in a shuffle to memorise the transitions.

Further reading