What is A Minor?
The A Minor guitar chord is formed by the notes A – C – E and is played using the fingering x02210. It’s a minor chord commonly used in Am-F-C-G.
A Minor Chord Diagram
Standard Position
6th (E) string: Don't play
5th (A) string: Open
4th (D) string: 2th fret
3rd (G) string: 2th fret
2nd (B) string: 1th fret
1st (E) string: Open
How to Play A Minor
- Place fingertips close to the fret wire using the diagram x02210.
- Arch fingers so they don’t touch adjacent strings; keep thumb behind the neck.
- Pick each string to check for buzz or mute; adjust pressure and curl.
- Strum slow down-strums; add down–down–up–up–down–up when clean.
Pro Tip: Practice chord changes with a metronome at 70–90 BPM for one-minute rounds.
A Minor Variations
Am (Standard)
x02210
The classic A minor chord - simple and effective
Am7
x02010
Add 7th for jazz flavor and smoother voice leading
Am9
x02000
Extended chord with 9th for modern, sophisticated sound
Am/G
302210
Slash chord with G in bass for walking bass lines
Popular Songs Using A Minor
Famous Examples:
- • Stairway to Heaven
- • House of the Rising Sun
- • Nothing Else Matters
More Hits:
- • Someone Like You
- • Mad World
Common Chord Progressions with A Minor
Am-F-C-G
The vi-IV-I-V progression - incredibly popular in modern music
Am-Dm-G-C
Minor ii-V-I progression with emotional depth
Am-G-F-E
Descending progression perfect for ballads
Practice Tips for A Minor
1. Easy Finger Placement
Use middle finger (2nd fret D), ring finger (2nd fret G), index finger (1st fret B).
2. Clean Sound
Keep fingers curved and press close to frets. Don't let fingers touch other strings.
3. Emotional Expression
Minor chords convey sadness - practice dynamic control from soft to loud.
4. Common Transitions
Master Am to F (challenging), Am to C (easy), and Am to G (medium).
Chord Family: C Major
A Minor functions as vi in the key of C Major.
Music Theory Behind A Minor
Notes in A Minor: A - C - E
Scale: A - B - C - D - E - F - G - A
Key Signature: No sharps or flats
Relative Major: C major
A minor is the natural minor scale with no sharps or flats, making it easy to understand. It's the relative minor of C major, sharing the same notes but starting on A. This creates a sad, emotional quality perfect for ballads and introspective songs.
Master A Minor Today!
A Minor is perfect for beginners. Practice daily and you'll have it mastered in no time!