The A chord, left-handed

Left-handed A diagram

Vertical: high e on the left, nut at the top. Horizontal: high e at the top, nut on the right. X = silent, O = open. Dot numbers are fingers: 1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little. A thick line joins notes held with one finger as a barre.

Fret and finger guide

Both codes read from low E to high e, regardless of the diagram view.

Frets

x · 0 · 2 · 2 · 2 · 0

Fingers

– · – · 1 · 2 · 3 · –

Level

Beginner (this fingering)

Make a clean A chord

Strum from A. Place your fingers close to the fret wire without touching it.

1. Place one finger at a time, just behind the fret wire.
2. Pick each sounding string slowly. Adjust any finger that mutes its neighbour.
3. Release pressure, then make the shape again. Aim for a relaxed hand.
4. Strum four beats, rest for four, then repeat. Rest if your hand becomes tired; stop if you feel pain.

Another way to play it

Try fingers 2, 3 and 4 on the three fretted strings to make more space.

Fret codes are written low E to high e. An x means leave that string silent.