A Ukulele Chord
Need the A chord for a song? It is a two-finger shape, not hard but new at first. Your fingers go on the g and C strings. The steps below show exactly where each one sits.
A two-finger shape. Here is how to play A, step by step.
- Notes: A, Db and E
- Frets: 2 1 0 0
- Tuning: g C E A
A ukulele chord details
- Type
- Major triad
- Also known as
- A major
- Formula
- 1 3 5
- Intervals
- A (root), Db (major 3rd), E (perfect 5th)
- Notes
- A, Db and E
- Frets
- 2 1 0 0
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Tuning
- Standard (g C E A)
How to play the A chord
Here is the A chord step by step:
- Put your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the g string.
- Put your index finger on the 1st fret of the C string.
- Leave the E and A strings open.
- Strum all four strings.
Take it slowly the first few times and it will start to feel natural. New to these grids? Have a look at how to read a ukulele chord diagram.
What notes are in the A chord?
The A chord is built from three notes: A, Db and E (the root, major 3rd and perfect 5th). On the ukulele the A is doubled, so you get a nice full sound. Major chords are the bright, happy ones, which is why so many singalong songs are built on them. Curious which chords sit together in a song? See which chords share a key.
Ukulele songs that use the A chord
Want to go further?
Once A feels comfortable, its close relatives are worth exploring: try A7, Amaj7, Am and Asus4. A pairs most often with D, E and Bm, so the few basic chords next to it go a long way. Then put it into a strumming pattern. When you are ready, try some easy ukulele songs.