How to play the A major over G chord on guitar
Unlock the secrets of iconic songs like "Wonderwall" and "Sweet Home Alabama".
The A major over G chord
The A chord, pronounced "A over G," is a unique voicing that adds a touch of sophistication to the standard A major chord. This chord is played by fretting an A major shape while using a G note as the bass, creating a rich and complex sound. The A/G chord is commonly used in genres like folk, country, and rock to add harmonic depth.
There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common A major over G chord. We've also included other versions below.
![A major over G guitar chord diagram](/_next/image?url=%2Fguitar%2Fchords%2FA_G.png&w=640&q=75)
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Finger placement for A major over G chord
The A major over G chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 3rd fret of the guitar.
Follow these finger positions to play an A major over G chord on your guitar:
- Barre your index finger across all six strings at the 3rd fret.
- Place your ring finger on the 5th fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 5th fret of the 4th (D) string.
- Place your middle finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
Strum all six strings together to play the A major over G chord. Make sure to apply proper pressure with your index finger to ensure all notes ring out clearly.
How to play an easy A major over G chord on guitar
If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the A major over G chord, try playing an open A chord (with no barring) while also playing the G note on the 3rd fret of the low E string with your index finger. This creates a similar sound without the complexity of a full barre chord.
How to play a A major over G bar chord
Playing the A major over G chord as a barre chord can make it easier to transition to and from other chords, especially other barre chords.
Here's how to play an A major over G barre chord:
- Place your index finger across all six strings at the 3rd fret, forming a barre.
- Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 4th (D) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Place your pinky on the 5th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
- Strum from the 5th (A) string down to the 1st (high E) string.
Common A major over G chord progressions
The A major over G chord, also known as A/G, is a colorful and expressive chord that adds a sense of movement and resolution to chord progressions. It often conveys feelings of yearning, hope, or a bittersweet emotional tone. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the A/G chord:
- I - V/VII - IV - I (G - A/G - C - G) - Used in "Every Breath You Take" by The Police and "With or Without You" by U2
- I - V/VII - vi - IV (G - A/G - Em - C) - Used in "Wonderwall" by Oasis and "No Woman, No Cry" by Bob Marley
- I - V/VII - ii - V (G - A/G - Am - D)
- vi - V/VII - I - IV (Em - A/G - G - C)
- ii - V/VII - I - V (Am - A/G - G - D)
Drills to master the A major over G chord
To master the A major over G guitar chord, try this simple drill: play each note of the chord individually, starting with the G and ascending to the A, C#, and E. Focus on cleanly fretting each note and letting it ring out. Once comfortable, play the notes in descending order.
Next, practice transitioning between the G bass note and the higher A, C#, and E notes. Play the G, then strum the higher three notes together. Alternate between the G and the chord, gradually increasing your speed for a rhythmic "bass note + chord" pattern.
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Songs that feature the A major over G chord
Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the A major over G chord:
- Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd (D, C, G)
- Free Fallin' by Tom Petty (D, A, G, D)
- More Than Words by Extreme (G, Cadd9, Am7, D/F#)
- Wonderwall by Oasis (Em7, G, D, A7sus4)
- Hey There Delilah by Plain White T's (D, F#m, D/F#, G, D/F#, A, Bm, G/B)
- Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day (G, Cadd9, D)
- Breakfast at Tiffany's by Deep Blue Something (D, A, G)
- Collide by Howie Day (G, D/F#, Am7, Cadd9)
- She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5 (Am7, Cadd9, G, D/F#)
- 3 AM by Matchbox Twenty (G, D, Cadd9, Am7)
How a guitar teacher can help
If you feel stuck in your playing, it might help to take personalized guitar lessons with an expert guitarist. Taking lessons with a pro gives you access to the skills, feedback, and motivation to reach your goals.
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