How to Play A Minor on Guitar: Finger Positions, Strumming and Easy Changes
A minor is a warm, simple chord that appears in countless songs. Here is the three-finger shape, the strings to strum, and how to move between Am, C and G.
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In this guide
A minor is one of the most useful chords for beginners. It is warm and emotional, it appears in a huge range of songs, and it shares finger positions with C and E minor, which makes changes easier. This guide shows you the shape, which strings to strum, and a simple drill for moving between Am, C and G.
The A minor shape
A minor uses three fingers on three strings:
- Middle finger: second fret, fourth string (the D string).
- Ring finger: second fret, third string (the G string).
- Index finger: first fret, second string (the B string).
The fifth string is played open, which gives the chord its name. Strum from the fifth string down to the first.
Which strings to strum
Do not strum the low E string. It is not part of A minor, and strumming it makes the chord sound muddy. Start your stroke on the fifth string, and stop at the first.
Why Am buzzes
- The index finger touches the high E string. Keep it on the B string only, arched so its tip sits right behind the fret.
- The ring finger is too flat. Stand it on its tip so it doesn't touch the string next to it.
- The middle finger is pressing too far to one side. Centre it on the D string, just behind the second fret wire.
Strumming Am
Try a slow, steady pattern: down, down-up, up-down-up. Count "1, 2 and 3 and 4 and." Because A minor has five strings to strum, keep your stroke light and even so every string rings without strain.
A drill for Am, C and G
Am, C and G appear together in many songs. Practise them in this order:
- Am for four beats, then C for four beats, then Am again.
- Am for four beats, then G for four beats, then Am again.
- Play Am, C, G, C in one run, slowly, until every chord rings clearly.
Ten minutes a day is enough. Keep the count steady, and speed up only when each change is clean.
Practice these chords with a timer and a plan
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Stuck on something?
If Am still sounds wrong after a week, check which strings you are strumming and whether the index finger touches the high E string. Those two fixes solve most Am problems.
Frequently asked questions
Which strings do I strum for A minor?
Strum from the fifth string down to the first. Leave the low E string out, because it is not part of the chord. The fifth string (A) is played open.
What fingers do I use for A minor?
Use three fingers: middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string (D), ring finger on the second fret of the third string (G), and index finger on the first fret of the second string (B).
Why does my Am chord buzz?
Usually the fingers are too flat, or the index finger touches the high E string. Keep the fingertips arched and check that the index finger sits only on the B string.
Is A minor easier than E minor?
It is a little harder, because it uses three fingers instead of two. Many players learn E minor first and then move to A minor once E minor feels comfortable.
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