Guitar chord forum - chordie — How do you finger open A?

Re: How do you finger open A?

null@example.com (KramL) — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 11:29:21 +0000

I go with what Alvee33 said, that is what I have always done and it really helps for when you switch to E or D

Re: How do you finger open A?

null@example.com (Al Bradley) — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 03:41:59 +0000

A really easy way to play an open A is to make a little triangle with your middle finger on the D string second fret, your pointer finger at the top of the triangle close to the first fret on the G string , and your ring finger on the second fret on the B string. The triangel is contained between the frist and second fret. Look at the three strings and make your pointer finger as the point of the triangle.

Re: How do you finger open A?

null@example.com (jerome.oneil) — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 04:20:47 +0000

wormproof101 wrote:

Hey everyone,

To answer your question Jerome, I've only been playing for about 4 months and don't have barring down (at all).

Ah, that's one you'll want to practice then. Learn to barre A and E shapes like you can do it in your sleep. They fit together like peas and carrots.

E shape to A shape on the same fret is a I -> IV progression. A shape to E shape on the same fret is a I -> V progression. That gives you the tools to play in almost any key you want.

Good luck. And practice every day.

Re: How do you finger open A?

null@example.com (wormproof101) — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 22:55:46 +0000

Hey everyone,

Thanks for all the suggestions. Lots of things to try out, and I really like the "Bluegrass A" suggested by jay and patrick. Definitely wouldn't have thought of that on my own!

To answer your question Jerome, I've only been playing for about 4 months and don't have barring down (at all). The site I was using to help me learn guitar had two fingerings listed for A: 1,2,3 and barring the first finger across the strings and deadening the first string with it. If I take time to adjust my finger, I can hear the first string, but usually my finger is either too bent and I get fret buzz on the second string or it's not bent enough and I deaden the first string (or it buzzes against my finger). That's why I was curious to see how common other fingerings are, but I realize the best solution is probably to just keep practicing 1,2,3!

Re: How do you finger open A?

null@example.com (jerome.oneil) — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 14:12:48 +0000

I play it all sorts of ways, depending on what I'm going to do next, or what I played before it. If I'm playing open E or I intend to play B afterward, I tend to barre with my ring finger.

I don't quite understand what you mean you want to hear the open e when you barre. Why can't you hear it?

Re: How do you finger open A?

null@example.com (patrickjacques) — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 00:09:22 +0000

one thing you might try is bariing those 3 strings with finger 1 and hiting the light e string on the 5th fret with your pinky. it gives a nice full sound to the a chord

Re: How do you finger open A?

null@example.com (livebaitman) — Wed, 30 May 2007 21:51:14 +0000

Try using just the pointer and middle finger to get all 3 strings on the second fret. This is how I learned on a slim neck alvarez where there isn't room for 3 fingers.

Re: How do you finger open A?

null@example.com (jaygordon75) — Tue, 29 May 2007 21:43:26 +0000

All are good replies...it just takes practice. Another alternative is bar 4 strings with your 1st finger and then note your 4th finger on high E at the 5th fret ( "A" note) I don't know the proper name but we've always called it a "Bluegrass" A...

Re: How do you finger open A?

null@example.com (Roger Guppy) — Tue, 29 May 2007 19:45:56 +0000

Hi Wormproof101,

I agree that the 1,2,3 fingering is the easiest however it is worth noting that all fingers do not have to be immediately behind the fret, they are normally angled.

Finger 3 (on the B string) is close to the fret and finger 1 (on the D string) is furthest away from the fret.

This gives a little more room and your fingers are not quite so cramped.

Roger

Re: How do you finger open A?

null@example.com (arkady) — Tue, 29 May 2007 17:47:43 +0000

Hi
The A chord using 1,2,3 I find easiest for an open e.

The A chord using 2,3,4 is handy for sliding up to the B chord but is murder on a soft pinky.

Practice the 1,2,3 with the open e as the note adds to the richness of the chord.

good luck

Ark

Re: How do you finger open A?

null@example.com (cytania) — Tue, 29 May 2007 14:54:15 +0000

1,2,3 is the standard way 99% of people use. The other useful way is 3,4,2.

Why the heck would anyone want to cramp their pinkies up into 3,4,2? I hear you ask.

Well it's a sort of jazz thing. If you learn 3,4,2 your fingers are naturally in position for the F shape (or Em shape) barre chords. You can slip down one fret to easily make B minor and so forth. But if you aren't interested in 30s/40s classics then it's pretty academic ( I have a big soft spot for them, spent much of yesterday afternoon trying to nail 'Stormy Weather' - much finger ache).

Re: How do you finger open A?

null@example.com (alvee33) — Tue, 29 May 2007 14:51:46 +0000

Try putting your 1st finger on the G string, 2nd finger on the D string and 3rd finger on the B string.

How do you finger open A?

null@example.com (wormproof101) — Tue, 29 May 2007 14:38:38 +0000

Hey all,

I was just wondering how other people finger the open A chord. I usually bar my first finger across D, G, B, but I wish I could hear the high e sometimes. I've tried using fingers 1,2,3 and 2,3,4, but it's kinda tough to cram them all on one fret and I tend to buzz. Do you think I should stick with barring and missing out on high e or should I try to cram three fingers on there? OR can other people bar and still hear high e?