Beginner Guitar Chord Lesson – Learn to Play A Minor

Easy Beginner Guitar Chord -- Learn  to Play Am

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:

Everything on the above chart should be self explanatory, except for the last three in the third column. They may need a bit of explaining. The O, or open symbol, simply means that you do not press down on any notes on that string. The X means you do not strum that particular string. The Barre symbol means you need to barre that particular fret. When you barre a fret you are pressing down on multiple strings at the same time with one finger.

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.

A Minor Chord Video