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Are you new to playing the guitar and eager to learn how to play different note chords? In this article, we will guide you through the process of playing the A minor chord on the guitar. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refresh your knowledge, we will provide you with the correct finger placement and technique to master this essential chord. With the help of Yousician, you’ll be strumming the A minor chord with confidence in no time. Let’s get started!
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How to Play the A Minor Chord on Guitar
The A minor chord is great for beginners because it is easy to play, seeing as you don’t have to bend your fingers in ways that may seem impossible at the start of your career as a guitar player. In music, you can recognize a minor chord by a lowercase “m.”
To properly execute this chord, start by positioning your index finger on the first fret of the B string. Then, place your middle finger on the second fret of the G string. Lastly, extend your ring finger towards the second fret of the D string.
When we refer to the second fret, we do not specifically mean the physical second fret but rather the area just behind it, nearer to the guitar’s headstock. Also, remember that the order of the string goes from thinnest to thickest.
This is what a guitar chord chart of the A minor (or Am) chord looks like:
What Is the Difference between the A Minor and Major Chords?
The difference between the A major and minor chords lies in the arrangement of their notes. While the A minor chord consists of the notes A, C, and E, the A major chord is made up of the tones A, C#, and E. The variation in the third note is what distinguishes these two chords.
In the A minor chord, the third note is a minor third interval from the root note, resulting in a melancholic and somber sound. On the other hand, the A major chord has a major third interval, giving it a brighter and more uplifting quality.
This difference in the arrangement of notes creates contrasting moods and emotions in the music, allowing you to evoke different feelings depending on whether you use the A minor or major chord.
Songs That Use the A Minor Guitar Chord
Many great songs you may want to learn to play use the A minor chord, in addition to a few other common open chords. Here are just a handful of great songs to learn on the guitar using the basic A minor chord:
- “Californication” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
- “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
- “Don’t Blame Me” by Taylor Swift
These are just a few examples of songs that use the A minor chord, but you can find many others as well. Here’s a fun exercise: Listen to the songs and try to make out how and when the A minor chord is used.
But don’t stop at the A minor chord. At Yousician, you can read much more about music theory and learn a ton of other guitar chords, so you’ll be able to perform all your favorite songs elegantly. For example, you can get tips on how to learn the D chord on your guitar.