Five Easy Guitar Chords You Should Know: A Chords

For every chord I’ll cover the notes that comprise that chord, the chord formula, and an example of a common chord shape. Also, if you know the notes on the guitar fretboard, you’ll be able to use the chord formula to come up with your own chord shapes for every chord. 

Finally, you may be wondering how to practice guitar chords? I suggest first learning the chord shapes that I provide in this post. Then, come up with your own chord shapes using the provided chord formula. And finally, start incorporating these new shapes in the music that you’re playing.

A Major Chord

The A Major chord (often called the “A chord”) has three notes: A, C#, E

The chord formula is: I-III-V

Here is a typical way this chord is played:

Alternative names/searches:

1. A
2. A chord
3. A chord guitar
4. A guitar chord
5. Amaj
6. Amaj chord
7. Amaj chord guitar
8. Amaj guitar chord

A Major 7 Chord

The A Major 7 chord has four notes: A, C#, E, G#

The chord formula is: I-III-V-VII

Here is a typical way this chord is played:

Alternative names/searches:

1. Amaj7
2. Amaj7 guitar chord
3. Amaj7 chord guitar

A Minor Chord

The A Minor chord has three notes: A, C, E

The chord formula is: I-bIII-V

Here is a typical way this chord is played:

Alternative names/searches:

1. Am
2. Am guitar chord
3. Am chord guitar
4. A-
5. A- guitar chord
6. A- chord guitar

A Minor 7 Chord

The A Minor 7 chord has four notes: A, C, E, G

The chord formula is: I-bIII-V-bVII

Here is a typical way this chord is played:

Alternative names/searches:

1. Am7
2. Am7 chord
3. Am7 guitar chord
4. Am7 chord guitar
5. A-7
6. A-7 chord
7. A-7 guitar chord
8. A-7 chord guitar

A Dominant 7 Chord

The A Dominant 7 chord has four notes: A, C#, E, G

The chord formula is: I-III-V-bVII

Here is a typical way this chord is played:

Alternative names/searches:

1. A7
2. A7 chord
3. A7 guitar chord
4. A7 chord guitar

Further reading

1. A Power Chords Guitar Players Should Know
2. Power Chord Alternatives: Five Voicings to Try
3. John Petrucci Invisible Monster Guitar Lesson Summary