Open version
Keep the low E muted unless you intentionally want Am/E.
Guitar chord
A Minor Guitar Chord
A Minor is a minor triad built from A, C, E. vi in C major and i in A minor.
- Beginner
- Minor triad
- 1-b3-5
- open and barre shapes
A Minor at a glance
Start with the notes and a practical fingering before changing voicings.
| Chord detail | What it means on guitar |
|---|---|
| Notes in the chord | A, C, E |
| Basic fingering | Open Am: x02210, shaped like open E major moved one string set inward. |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Common use | vi in C major and i in A minor. |
Fingering and voicings
Choose the version that keeps the progression clean in time.
Barre version
Use an Em-shape barre at the 5th fret or an Am-shape barre at the 12th fret.
Easier version
Use xxx210 for a small top-string Am.
Alternate voicing
Am7 (x02010) opens the chord and makes common pop and folk loops easier.
Theory for A Minor
The chord name tells you the interval recipe; the key tells you its job.
| Concept | Value |
|---|---|
| Formula | 1-b3-5 |
| Notes | A, C, E |
| Chord family | Minor triad |
| Diatonic keys where it appears | A minor, C major, G major, F major, E minor |
Common progressions using Am
Use these pages to hear the chord inside real movement instead of as an isolated shape.
Practice it in context
Open StrumForge to place Am inside a progression with diagrams, playback, and scale context.
- StrumForge app Open the main guitar-first progression generator.
- Guitar chord progression generator Generate playable four-chord loops with diagrams and groove playback.
- Guitar practice app Use the native apps for daily practice, saved ideas, and longer sessions.
- Features See the progression, playback, diagram, and scale tools in one place.
FAQ
Short answers for players using this page as a practice or writing reference.
What notes are in A Minor?
A Minor contains A, C, E.
What is the easiest A Minor guitar shape?
Use xxx210 for a small top-string Am.
Is A Minor a beginner chord?
Beginner is the practical difficulty. Use the easier version if the full voicing slows the progression down.
What progressions use A Minor?
Common examples include I-V-vi-IV Guitar Chord Progression, ii-V-I Guitar Chord Progression, I-vi-IV-V Guitar Chord Progression, vi-IV-I-V Guitar Chord Progression.