Chords › A5
A5 Power Chord on Guitar
- A5
- A · E
- Open chord
Open. Strum strings 5 to 3 only.
A5 is a power chord: just the root and the fifth, with no third, so it is neither major nor minor and stays clear under distortion. The open shape uses 2 fingers on 3 strings.
How to play A5, finger by finger
- Put your index finger on string 4 at the 2nd fret.
- Put your middle finger on string 3 at the 2nd fret.
- Strum strings 5 to 3 only.
More ways to play A5
Notes in A5
| Note | Interval | Role |
|---|---|---|
| A | 1 | root |
| E | 5 | fifth |
Formula: 1 – 5
Questions about A5
What notes are in A5?
A and E. Those are the 1, 5 of the chord, counted from A.
Which strings do I strum for A5?
Start on string 5 and strum down to string 1, and leave the strings marked with an X silent.
Is A5 major or minor?
Neither. A power chord has only the root and the fifth (A and E), so it fits songs in A major and A minor alike. It is the standard chord for rock and metal rhythm guitar.
Related chords
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Other power chords