The A Major Chord (Left-Handed)

In this article, we will explore three different ways to play the A major chord from a left-handed guitarist’s perspective. We’ll then discuss some basic chord theory, illustrating how the A major chord is constructed from the A major scale using scale degrees and intervals, and lastly how the A Major chord works in various keys (chord function).

Interested in learning more left-handed chords? Check out our left-handed chord library.

How to Play the A Major Chord

Open Position A Major Chord

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A Major Barre Chord (E-Shape 5th Fret)

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A Major Barre Chord (A-Shape 9th Fret)

Chord Construction from the A Major Scale

The A major chord is derived from the A major scale. This scale provides the foundation for the chord’s construction. Here’s a breakdown of the scale, its notes, and how it is constructed.

A major chord construction – using scale degrees

Scale Degree	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
A Major Scale	A	B	C#	D	E	F#	G#
A Major Chord	A	–	C#	–	E	–	–

As we can see in the table above, the A major chord consists of three notes: A (the root note), C# (the major third), and E (the perfect fifth).

To construct the A major chord from scale degrees, we turn to the A major scale. In the A major scale, the notes are A, B, C#, D, E, F#, and G#.

To form an A major chord, we take the 1st, 3rd, and 5th degrees of this scale.

In this case, those degrees correspond to the notes A (the root), C# (the major third), and E (the perfect fifth). When played together, these three notes create the distinct and harmonious sound of the A major chord.

A major chord construction – using intervals

Interval	Root (A)	M2	M3	P4	P5	M6	M7
A Major Scale	A	B	C#	D	E	F#	G#
A Major Chord	A	–	C#	–	E	–	–

Alternatively, we can create the A major chord by looking at the intervals between its notes. If you need to brush up on intervals click here.

The intervals within an A major chord consist of a major third (M3) and a perfect fifth (P5) above the root note (A). The major third, C#, is four half-steps (semitones) above A, and the perfect fifth, E, is seven half-steps (semitones) above A. These intervals give the A major chord its bright, major tonality.

Another way to visualize the construction of the A major chord is in stacked thirds e.g. passing through three note letters of the A major scale e.g. the 2nd note of the A major chord is a third above the root note of A e.g. (A-B-C#). While the 3rd note of the chord is a third above the 2nd note of C# (C#-D-E).

The Role of A Major – Chord Function

What is Chord Function?

Chord function refers to the role a chord plays within the context of a key, defining its relationship to the tonic (the first note of a scale or key) and its tendency to move towards certain other chords. Understanding chord functions helps in creating and analyzing chord progressions, providing insight into the harmonic structure and movement within a piece of music.

Key	Chord Number	Function
D Major	V	Dominant: Creates tension, often resolving to the tonic (D Major).
E Major	IV	Subdominant: Provides a stepping stone between the tonic (E Major) and dominant (B Major).
A Major	I	Tonic: The ‘home’ chord of the A Major key.
F# Minor	III	Mediant: Offers a contrast to the tonic (F# Minor) and can lead to the subdominant (B Minor).
B Minor	II	Supertonic: Commonly leads to the dominant (F# Minor).
C# Minor	VI	Submediant: Often used in chord progressions moving from the tonic (C# Minor) to the submediant (A Major) and then to the dominant (G# Major).
G Major	VII	Leading Tone: Creates a strong desire to resolve to the tonic (G Major).
Other Keys	NA	Not present.