Am Chord
How to play A minor on guitar — darker and more reflective than major; the 3rd drops a semitone.
- Notes
- A – C – E
- Frets (low → high)
- x 0 2 2 1 0
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Shape
- Open position
How to play Am, step by step
- 1Put your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th).
- 2Put your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (3rd).
- 3Put your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string (2nd).
- 4Leave the low E string out — mute it with the side of a finger, or just avoid it as you strum.
- 5Let the A and high E strings ring open.
- 6Strum slowly and check every string sounds cleanly; if one buzzes, press closer to the fret wire and arch your fingers so they clear the neighbouring strings.
What makes a minor chord
Darker and more reflective than major; the 3rd drops a semitone.
| Note | Interval | Semitones above A |
|---|---|---|
| A | root | 0 |
| C | minor 3rd | 3 |
| E | 5th | 7 |
Which keys use Am?
Am appears in these keys, so a song built on it is most likely in one of them. Each page shows the full chord set and the easiest capo position.
Other A chords
Same root, different colour. Swapping one of these into a progression is the quickest way to change its mood without changing the key.
Every minor chord
The same shape moved around the neck. If you can play Am you are a fret-slide away from all of these.
Frequently asked questions
- What notes are in the Am chord?
- Am is made of A, C, E — the root, minor 3rd, 5th of A.
- Is Am hard to play?
- No — Am sits at x 0 2 2 1 0 and is rated beginner, so it is comfortable for most beginners.
Got a chart full of chords like Am?
Upload a chord sheet and move every chord into a key that fits your hands and your voice — the layout stays exactly as printed. Or let the capo calculator pick the position that turns the barre chords into open ones.