A Minor Guitar Chord (Am)
Am is usually the first minor chord anyone learns. x02210, the E major grip moved over one string. It's the relative minor of C, so the two trade places constantly. Most sad-sounding pop progressions are built on the pair.
Am is a mushroom chord.
Am chord shapes in 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.
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. That's 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.