Am Chord on Guitar (A minor)
Am is a minor chord with a darker, sad or reflective sound. It contains the notes A – C – E (root + minor third + perfect fifth). Below you will find 3 ways to play it on guitar.
How to play Am
Position 1: x 0 2 2 1 0
- low E: don't play
- A: open
- D: fret 2
- G: fret 2
- B: fret 1
- high E: open
Position 2: 5 7 7 5 5 5
- low E: fret 5
- A: fret 7
- D: fret 7
- G: fret 5
- B: fret 5
- high E: fret 5
Position 3: x x 7 9 10 8
- low E: don't play
- A: don't play
- D: fret 7
- G: fret 9
- B: fret 10
- high E: fret 8
The first shape is an open chord: it uses open strings, so it is the easiest way to play Am and rings out the most. Strum only the strings that are not marked with an x.
Chord theory
A minor chord differs from a major chord by only one note: the third is lowered by a half step. That single change gives the chord its darker, more emotional character.
Degrees: 1 = A, ♭3 = C, 5 = E
Using Am in songs
Minor chords appear on the 2nd, 3rd and 6th degrees of a major key. The 6th-degree minor chord (the relative minor) is especially common in ballads and pop progressions.
Relative major: C