How to Play the Chord Am on Guitar

The A Minor Guitar Chord (also known as Am) is found by locating the 1, b3 and 5 steps of the  A Major Scale: A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, or the notes A, C and E.  The “b3” symbol translates to “Flattened 3rd” , which means we simply lower the 3rd step of the A Major Scale (C#) a 1/2 step to a “C”.

This is a very easy beginner guitar chord to play.  If you are already familiar with the E Major Guitar Chord, then the A Minor Chord should be quite simple.  Its the same shape only one string down. You will understand this more by looking at the chord diagram below.

The only challenge to this chord is avoiding the low E string.  While playing the Low E string with this chord won’t sound bad, it won’t be a true A Minor chord, so try to avoid strumming the Low E string.

A Minor Chord notes: A C E

Here is a key that will help you read the chart:

Just like all other chords, make certain that you are pushing your fingers down firmly on the strings. Play each string one at a time to see if the strings are producing a clean sound.

Video Demonstration