Guitar chord · Beginner
A minor chord (Am) — guitar chord chart
Am is a minor chord built on A. Its notes are A, C, E. Lowering the 3rd by a half step gives minor chords their darker, more melancholic colour.
Am chord charts
Numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little). ○ open string, × don’t play. Low E string on the left.
How to play Am
- Middle (2) on the 4th string, fret 2 (E).
- Ring (3) on the 3rd string, fret 2 (A).
- Index (1) on the 2nd string, fret 1 (C).
- Let strings 5, 1 ring open.
- Strum from the 5th string down; don’t play string 6.
- Pick the strings one at a time: each note should ring clearly — if one buzzes, move that finger closer to the fret.
Once the open shape is comfortable, try the barre version at fret 5: same chord, higher voice, and a shape you can move all over the neck.
Notes in Am
| Degree | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | root |
| ♭3 | C | minor 3rd |
| 5 | E | perfect 5th |
Progressions with Am
Drill these changes with the chord-change trainer and read how to change chords faster.
FAQ
- What notes are in the Am chord?
- Am (A minor) has 3 notes: A, C, E.
- Is Am hard to play?
- No — the open-position shape needs no barre, so it’s a good beginner chord.
- What’s the difference between Am and A?
- A is A C♯ E. Lowering the 3rd by a half step gives minor chords their darker, more melancholic colour.