A Minor Guitar Chord (Am)
A minor is a three-note chord built from A (the root), C (the minor third), and E (the perfect fifth). It carries real emotional weight: sad in a ballad, brooding in rock, dramatic in flamenco. The minor third is what gives it that pull. Below are 4 ways to play it in standard tuning, easiest shape first.
Am chord shapes — standard tuning
How to play it
Place your index finger on the B (2nd) string at fret 1, your middle finger on the D (4th) string at fret 2, and your ring finger on the G (3rd) string at fret 2. Let the A (5th) and high E (1st) strings ring open. Keep the low E (6th) string out of the strum — start your downstroke from the A (5th) string.
Once that shape is comfortable, try the other 3 voicings above — same notes, different neck positions and textures.
Notes in this chord
| Symbol | Interval | Note |
|---|---|---|
| R | root | A |
| ♭3 | minor third | C |
| 5 | perfect fifth | E |
Keep exploring
Other tunings
Open the interactive chord charts to see Am in open G, drop D, DADGAD, and more tunings.
More A chords
Nearby minor chords
Am FAQ
What notes are in Am?
Am contains A, C, and E — the root (A), the minor third, and the perfect fifth.
Is Am a barre chord?
Not necessarily. The easiest Am shape (x-0-2-2-1-0) needs no barre — it uses 3 fingers plus open strings. Barre versions exist too, starting at fret 5, and are handy when you want to move the same grip to other keys.
What is the easiest way to play Am on guitar?
Start with the open position shape x-0-2-2-1-0. Place your index finger on the B (2nd) string at fret 1, your middle finger on the D (4th) string at fret 2, and your ring finger on the G (3rd) string at fret 2. Let the A (5th) and high E (1st) strings ring open. Keep the low E (6th) string out of the strum — start your downstroke from the A (5th) string.