Explore chords · Ukulele
A chord on ukulele (A major)
Also called or written A, Amaj, AM or A chord
A major contains A, C♯ and E. The open shape is a beginner-friendly grip that uses two fretted notes and two open strings.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, 5
How do you play an A major chord on ukulele?
A major is played in open position as 2 1 0 0: middle finger on the G string at fret 2 and index finger on the C string at fret 1. The E and A strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2 | 2 | A (1) |
| 3 (C) | 1 | 1 | C♯ (3) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (5) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | A (1) |
BeginnerThe open shape is easy, but beginners often mute the open E string with the finger fretting the C string.
7th fret · ×-9-9-7
A major is played at the 7th fret as × 9 9 7: middle finger on the C string at fret 9, ring finger on the E string at fret 9 and index finger on the A string at fret 7. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 9 | 2 | A (1) |
| 2 (E) | 9 | 3 | C♯ (3) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 1 | E (5) |
A/E inversion
A major is played at the 4th fret as 6 4 5 4: pinky finger on the G string at fret 6, index finger on the C string at fret 4, ring finger on the E string at fret 5 and middle finger on the A string at fret 4.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6 | 4 | C♯ (3) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 1 | E (5) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 3 | A (1) |
| 1 (A) | 4 | 2 | C♯ (3) |
7th fret · 9-9-9-7
A major is played at the 7th fret as 9 9 9 7: middle finger on the G string at fret 9, ring finger on the C string at fret 9, pinky finger on the E string at fret 9 and index finger on the A string at fret 7.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9 | 2 | E (5) |
| 3 (C) | 9 | 3 | A (1) |
| 2 (E) | 9 | 4 | C♯ (3) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 1 | E (5) |
Why it sounds like that
A major is built from the root, major third and perfect fifth — 1, 3, 5. The major third C♯ gives the chord its bright quality. Lower that third by one semitone to C and you get A minor.
What goes wrong with A major?
- Letting the index finger touch the open E string and mute it.
- Pressing too hard on the G string and bending the pitch sharp.
- Strumming the open A string too hard and overpowering the chord.
When to use it
A major is the tonic in A major, heard in progressions like A–D–E, the I–IV–V–I. It also fits the I–V–vi–IV in A major: A–E–F♯ minor–D. Use it for bright folk, pop and Hawaiian strumming. Compare A 5th for a leaner two-note sound.
Changing to and from A major
- Move to D major by lifting the fingers and placing the index on the C string fret 2 and middle on the E string fret 2, leaving the A string open.
- Slide the 7th fret shape down two frets to the 5th fret to reach G major.
Which voicing to use
The open position is the easiest and most common. The A/C♯ inversion puts the third in the bass for a smoother voice leading into D major. The A/E inversion has the fifth in the bass and sounds fuller.
Other A chords
Common questions
How is A major written?
A major is written as A, Amaj or AM.
What is the difference between A major and A minor?
A major has a major third, C♯, while A minor has a minor third, C. This changes the chord from bright to sombre.
Why does the open A major shape have two open strings?
The open E and A strings are chord tones, so they are left to ring. This gives the ukulele its characteristic open, resonant sound.