GUILLORY GUITAR SCHOOL
THE "A" SHAPE
The basic open position "A" chord also features the major triad  in a straight line ( see "G" shape )  but here the bass root is on the 5th string. Use this shape to position your hand above the bass note.
major major-seventh seventh

Shown above in major, with the third finger forming a barre over the triad on strings 2, 3, & 4,  and the first finger on the root. With a first finger barre connecting the 5th and 1st strings,  the  remaining fingers have many more options, Major and dominant sevenths are easily accomodated, the first finger alone produces a simple eleventh chord.  The fingering seen below left produces a minor chord, and releasing the fourth finger on the 3rd string gives you a minor-seventh chord.

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