A major
Three sharps, F♯ C♯ G♯. Seven notes: A B C♯ D E F♯ G♯. Try the key’s seven chords in different places on the neck. Press a shape to hear it and see its notes.
Across one chord in different positions. Down the chords in one position. | ||||
| IMainAA · C♯ · E | ||||
| iiBmB · D · F♯ | ||||
| iiiC♯mC♯ · E · G♯ | ||||
| IVMainDD · F♯ · A | ||||
| VMainEE · G♯ · B | ||||
| viMainF♯mF♯ · A · C♯ | ||||
| vii°G♯°G♯ · B · D |
Sounds good
Three patterns to try
Walk up to D. Strum A, pick B and C♯ on the way up, land on D. Listen to how the bass connects the chords.
Triads on the top three strings. Three notes, three places, all A. Try them when a full six-string chord feels too busy.
- LowFrets 0–2
- MiddleFrets 5–6
- HighFrets 9–10
Same chords, higher. The four main chords in the open position, then again in frets 5 to 9. Listen to how the higher voicings change the sound.
Exercises in A major
Four drills, with a click
Play along with the metronome. The neck above highlights each step.
- Four chords in one positionA – D – E – F♯m without leaving frets 2 to 6.70 bpmLevel 1
- Climb with one chordA in all four places, low to high. Hear it brighten.60 bpmLevel 1
- Walk up to DStrum A, then walk the bass B – C♯ into D.90 bpmLevel 2
- Scale, then chordsPlay the scale in frets 5 to 9, then the four chords there.70 bpmLevel 2
Why three sharps
D major with G raised
- A
- B
- C♯
- D
- E
- F♯
- G♯
- A
- B
- C♯
- D
- E
- F♯
- G
A major is D major with G raised to G♯.