Guitar arpeggio
A Major Guitar Arpeggio
A Major is a three-note arpeggio built from A, C#, and E. It is also commonly called A Major Triad. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- A, C#, E
- Formula
- 1 3 5
- Semitones
- 0 4 7
- Chord symbols
- Amaj, AM
- Also called
- A Major Triad
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent A root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the A root notes and connect the remaining major chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called A Major Triad.
Chord construction and defining tones
A major combines 3 (C#) and 5 (E). The major third establishes the major quality, and the perfect fifth completes the stable triad.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio to outline Amaj and other major chords directly, especially when a line needs to land clearly on the chord rather than move through the full scale.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the A Major arpeggio from one A root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Alternate between the root and 3 (C#) and 5 (E), listening for how the third defines the chord more strongly than the fifth.
- Play short ascending and descending phrases over Amaj, changing direction on a different chord tone each time.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with A Major loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard