A minor chord guitar
Diagram, notes and theoretical summary concerning A Minor (Am) triad plus related chords.
Am
Full name: A minor
Alternative name/abbreviation: Amin
Type: Open chord
Notes in the chord: A, C, E
Importance: 10/10
Difficulty: 3/10
Relevant chords: Am/B Am/C Am/D Am/F Am/F# Am/G
Description & instructions
Am This chord is called A Minor triad since it include three notes and the second note (the third degree in the relevant scales ) is lowered. The diagram above show you how to play this chord in open position (two open strings are played included), which is the standard way. Try to mute the sixth string with the thumb or with the finger positioned on the fourth fret.
Finger positions
This is how you place your fingers when playing this chord:
- Index finger on 2nd string, 1st fret
- Middle finger on 4th string, 2nd fret
- Ring finger on 3rd string, 2nd fret.
This is one recommended fingering, although alternatives can be possible.
Chord variations
A Minor triad bar chord with the root on 6th string: 5 7 7 5 5 5
A Minor triad bar chord with the root on 5th string: X 12 14 14 13 12
A Minor triad with the root on 4th string: X X 7 5 5 X
A Minor triad with the root on 3rd string: X X X 5 5 5
Chord progressions
Am > F > G > E
D > Am > C > G
Am > C > D > F | Am > C > E7 ("House of the Rising Sun" - Animals)
Am > D7 > G > Cmaj7 > F > Dm > E ("Wild World" - Cat Stevens)
Am > Fmaj7 > G/B > C
Am/B
Full name: A minor slash B
Alternative name/abbreviation: N/A
Type: Open chord
Notes in the chord: B, A, C, E
Am/D
Full name: A minor slash D
Alternative name/abbreviation: N/A
Type: Open chord
Notes in the chord: D, A, C, E
Am/F
Full name: A minor slash F
Alternative name/abbreviation: N/A
Type: Open chord
Notes in the chord: F, A, C, E
Am/F#
Full name: A minor slash F sharp
Alternative name/abbreviation: N/A
Type: Open chord
Notes in the chord: F#, A, C, E
Am/G
Full name: A minor slash G
Alternative name/abbreviation: N/A
Type: Open chord
Notes in the chord: G, A, C, E
Chord progressions
Am > Am/G# > G
Am > Am/G > A/F# > F > C > G > Am
Am > Am/G > D/F# > Am