All 4 ways to play A on guitar
-
x02220 open position -
x02225 open position -
x-0-7-9-10-9 open position -
577655 at the 5th fret
Diagrams: strings run from the lowest on the left; X = don't play, O = open string, numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger).
How to play A on guitar
Main shape: x02220 (open position).
- Put your index finger (1) on the 2nd fret of the D (4th) string.
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 2nd fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 2nd fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Let the A (5th) and high E (1st) strings ring open (marked O).
- Don't play the low E (6th) string (marked X).
- Strum from the A (5th) string down (5 strings).
A notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| A | 1 | root |
| C♯ | 3 | major 3rd |
| E | 5 | perfect 5th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: A/C♯ (1st inversion) and A/E (2nd inversion).
A on piano and ukulele
-
A on piano A – C♯ – E -
A on ukulele 2100
Which keys use A?
A is one of the basic chords of 6 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| D major | A | V | dominant |
| B minor | A | VII | dominant |
| A major | A | I | tonic |
| F♯ minor | A | III | tonic |
| E major | A | IV | predominant |
| C♯ minor | A | VI | tonic or predominant |
| D minor | A | V | dominant (harmonic minor) |
Progressions with A
- I–IV–V–I in D major: D – G – A – D The basic cadence: tonic, predominant, dominant, tonic.
- I–V–vi–IV in D major: D – A – Bm – G The four-chord pop progression (also called the Axis progression).
- vi–IV–I–V in D major: Bm – G – D – A The same four chords, starting on the minor vi.
- I–vi–IV–V in D major: D – Bm – G – A The '50s or doo-wop progression.
- I–IV–vi–V in D major: D – G – Bm – A The four chords of I–V–vi–IV in another order.