Explore chords · Ukulele
A 5th chord on ukulele (A5)
Also called or written A5, A or A power chord
A 5th contains A and E. This two-note power chord at the 2nd fret mutes two strings, making it a compact intermediate grip.
How it is built
Formula 1, 5
How do you play an A 5th chord on ukulele?
A 5th is played at the 2nd fret as 2 4 × ×: index finger on the G string at fret 2 and middle finger on the C string at fret 4. The E and A strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (1) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 2 | E (5) |
| 2 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
IntermediateThe index and middle fingers must fret cleanly while both remaining strings are muted, requiring precise finger placement.
5th fret
A 5th is played at the 5th fret as × × 5 7: index finger on the E string at fret 5 and middle finger on the A string at fret 7. The G and C strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | muted | — | — |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 1 | A (1) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 2 | E (5) |
A5/E inversion · open position
A 5th is played in open position as × × 0 0. The E and A strings ring open. The G and C strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | muted | — | — |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (5) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | A (1) |
A5/E inversion · fret 4
A 5th is played at the 4th fret as × 4 5 ×: index finger on the C string at fret 4 and middle finger on the E string at fret 5. The G and A strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 1 | E (5) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 2 | A (1) |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
9th fret
A 5th is played at the 9th fret as 9 9 × ×: index finger on the G string at fret 9 and middle finger on the C string at fret 9. The E and A strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9 | 1 | E (5) |
| 3 (C) | 9 | 2 | A (1) |
| 2 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
Why it sounds like that
A 5th is built from the formula 1, 5, using the root A and its perfect fifth E. The perfect fifth gives the chord its open, stable sound. Compare A 5th with A major, which adds the major third C♯.
What goes wrong with A 5th?
- Letting the E or A string ring open because the muting finger is not touching it.
- Pressing the G string too hard and pulling it sharp.
- Flattening the middle finger onto the E string and accidentally fretting it.
When to use it
A 5th works as a power chord in A major progressions like A–D–E, the I–IV–V in A major. A 5th suits rock, punk, and driving strumming where a full major chord sounds too sweet.
Changing to and from A 5th
- Move from A 5th to D major by lifting the middle finger and placing it on the C string 2nd fret while the index stays on the G string 2nd fret.
- Slide A 5th down one fret to A♭ 5th by moving both fingers together from the 2nd fret to the 1st fret.
Which voicing to use
The 2nd fret position keeps A in the bass for a rooted sound. The A5/E inversions put E in the bass, which softens the chord and works well when moving to D major or F♯ minor.
Other A chords
Common questions
How do I mute the E and A strings cleanly in A 5th?
Rest the underside of your fretting fingers lightly against the E and A strings without pressing them to the frets. Check each string individually with a slow strum.
Why does A 5th sound different from A major?
A 5th omits the major third C♯, leaving only the root and fifth. Without the third the chord has no major or minor quality, which is why it works over both A major and A minor contexts.
Can I play A 5th higher up the neck?
Yes, the 5th fret position plays A and E on the E and A strings. The higher register cuts through a band mix but loses the low G string warmth.