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A Major Guitar Chord (AM)

A Major (AM) is built from A, C#, E, which is the 1P - 3M - 5P formula measured from the root A. This page shows 7 fingerings with fretboard diagrams.

Major
Notes: A · C# · EIntervals: 1P – 3M – 5P

Fingerings for AM

AA at fret 3, D at fret 3, G at fret 2
Alow E muted, D at fret 2, G at fret 2, B at fret 2
Alow E muted, A at fret 4, D at fret 3, B at fret 2
Alow E muted, D at fret 3, G at fret 3, B at fret 3
Alow E at fret 4, A at fret 3, B muted, high E muted
Alow E muted, A muted, D at fret 3, G at fret 2
Alow E muted, A muted, D at fret 1, G at fret 3, B at fret 4, high E at fret 3

Notes in AM

  • A1P
  • C#3M
  • E5P

How to play AM

A Major Guitar Chord (AM) is bright and resolved, the default sound of Western harmony.

Beginner tip

Keep your fretting-hand thumb behind the neck and press just behind the fret wire, not on top of it.

Practice idea

Loop it with the IV and V chords of the same key to hear how it functions as the tonic.

AM FAQ

What notes are in A Major?
A Major (AM) contains A, C#, E. In interval terms that is 1P - 3M - 5P above the root A.
How do you play AM on guitar?
The most common shape here is "A": A at fret 3, D at fret 3, G at fret 2.
Is AM hard for beginners?
It sits in the major family. Keep your fretting-hand thumb behind the neck and press just behind the fret wire, not on top of it.

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