A Minor (Am) Guitar Chord – Guitar Lessons
The A minor guitar chord is a must learn. If you are playing any songs in the key of C, this chord is required.
It’s a simple chord to play, and if you are a beginner you will find it easy to master. It is also written as Am.
Playing the A Minor Chord
Here is A minor in the open position on the guitar. It is played by placing the 1st finger on the 2nd string 1st fret, 2nd finger 2nd fret 4th string, and 3rd finger 2nd fret 3rd string.
Let the 5th and 1st string ring open. Do not strum the 6th string.
Bar Chord Variation
Next up is a version of Am that is played as a bar chord at the 5th fret. To play this variation, bar across the 5th fret with your 1st finger, place your 3rd finger on the 5th string 7th fret, and 4th finger on the 4th string 7th fret.
This is a very common version of A minor, and has a nice full sound to it.
Hint: try playing this chord shape on other frets too.
My Favorite Version
My favorite variation of A minor is played as a bar chord on the 12th fret. It sounds so good when played on my strat, neck pickup, with a little reverb.
This one is played with a bar across the first 5 strings at the 12th fret. Then place your 3rd finger on the 4th string 14th fret, 4th finger 3rd string 14th fret, and second finger 2nd string 13th fret.
One Last Option
Lastly we have this version that is sort of pulled from the bar chord version I just mentioned above. This one is played with the 1st finger 1st string 12th fret, 2nd finger 2nd string 13th fret, 3rd finger 3rd string 14th fret.
This is a good one to just sort of sprinkle in some highs. Also good for some reggae chops, or for songs that are already heavy on the bass.
Songs Using A Minor
Now that you’ve learned Am, you’re ready to play many new songs. Here are just some:
- “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan (later by Guns n Roses)
- “Marry You” by Bruno Mars (using a capo)
- “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles
- “Like I Love You” by Justin Timberlake
- “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers
For more tips, see how to make your guitar chords easy to play. Also, learn more about guitar chords for beginners including how to take the chords you just learned and move them around the fretboard for new and exciting sounds.
