Minor chord
Level 3: Barre chords
Notes: A, C, E · Frets 9 to 12
Also known as: Am, A minor, Amin, A-
Fretting hand for left-handed players (your right hand), A minor. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.Fretting hand for right-handed players (your left hand), A minor. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.
- 1Index
- 2Middle
- 3Ring
- 4Pinky
- TThumb, behind the neck
How to play A minor
- Place your first finger on the ninth fret of the G string.
- Place your second finger on the tenth fret of the D string.
- Place your fourth finger on the twelfth fret of the A string.
- Strum only the A, D and G strings.
Tips for new players
- Keep your thumb behind the neck and let your fingers arch.
- Press just behind the fret, not on top of it, so every string rings clearly.
- Practice at a slow, steady pace, then try the progression below.
Chord video
Watch A minor, step by step
A short animation that builds the A minor chart and explains every symbol on it.
- X marks a string that is muted or not played.
- Open circle marks a string you play without fretting.
- Numbered dot marks a fretted string. The number is the finger to use.
Learn and practice A minor
Practice progression
Am, Bm, Cm
Switch between Am, Bm and Cm until the changes feel smooth.