A Major chord in the 1st position below.

A – Root
C# – 3rd
E – 5th

When played on guitar the notes are in this order A, E, A, C#, E. The A is the Root note. C# is the 3rd note in the A major scale and the E is the 5th note in the A major scale.

We only strum the top 5 strings, mute the low E string. The A major chord can be played in many places on the guitar. In this example, we are talking about the A in 1st or open position.

You may have trouble fingering all three notes since they are directly above each other. Another way to play this chord would be to use a Bar Chord. A bar chord means to cover each note with one finger, in this case your index finger. Lay your index finger flat against the fretboard, covering three notes at once. Like this:

Practice strumming the A chord as well as picking the notes individually. Switch between the A, E, G, D and C major chords. Try and become smooth with your transitions.