Both are correct in theory. However, the meaning is different and only the second one is something that we would actually say. 1) I have tried to contact you few times. The wording is very awkward. We wouldn't say this: we'd be more likely to say "I haven't contacted you many times". 2) I have tried to contact you a few times. This is natural.

I have tried to contact you a few times. :)

"I have tried contacting you VERY few times" = INCOMPLETE sentence. "I have tried contacting you/ to contact you VERY few times, since we last meet" "I have tried contacting you/ to contact you ONLY a few times, over/during the last/past week/month/year" This how a native would construct a full sentence for sentence (1), to remove the ambiguity and confusion over the different meanings. This is a case of when "sentence snippets or parts" do not help in understanding a language fully.

This one can be a little tricky. The term "a few" implies a number of times, at least 2-3, and possibly many more. On the other hand, the term "few" (without the "a") implies just the opposite, i.e, a minimal number of times. So, if you want to let someone know that you tried contacting them several times you would say "I have tried to contact you a few times."

Hey, It would be "I have tried to contact you a few times". Alternatively more common (in England) "I have tried contacting you a few times". Kind regards Rich