Major (barre) chord
Level 3: Barre chords
Notes: A, C♯, E · Frets 9 to 12
Also known as: A, A major, Amaj, A barre, barre A, A bar chord
Fretting hand for left-handed players (your right hand), A major barre. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.Fretting hand for right-handed players (your left hand), A major barre. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.
- 1Index
- 2Middle
- 3Ring
- 4Pinky
- TThumb, behind the neck
How to play A major barre
- Lay your first finger flat across every string from the G string to the high E string at the ninth fret.
- Place your second finger on the tenth fret of the B string.
- Place your third finger on the eleventh fret of the D string.
- Place your fourth finger on the twelfth fret of the A string.
- Strum only the A, D, G, B and high E strings.
Tips for new players
- Keep your thumb behind the neck and let your fingers arch.
- Press just behind the fret, not on top of it, so every string rings clearly.
- Barre chords take strength. Build up slowly and rest your hand when it gets tired.
Chord video
Watch A major barre, step by step
A short animation that builds the A major barre chart and explains every symbol on it.
- X marks a string that is muted or not played.
- Open circle marks a string you play without fretting.
- Numbered dot marks a fretted string. The number is the finger to use.
Learn and practice A major barre
Practice progression
A, B, C
Switch between A, B and C until the changes feel smooth.