The A minor chord contains 3 notes: A – C – E (root, minor 3rd, perfect 5th). On guitar, the open position is x02210. It differs from A major by one note — the C♯ becomes C (natural), creating the minor 3rd that gives it its darker, more melancholic sound.
The A minor chord has a distinctive darker, more melancholic quality compared to A major. Containing A – C – E, it uses a minor third instead of a major third — that single change in one note creates a completely different emotional character.
The A Minor Chord
Character & Usage
Melancholic and expressive. One of the easiest chords to play and one of the most emotionally resonant. A natural pair with C major and G major.
Pop ballads, rock, folk, classical. The Am–F–C–G progression is used in countless songs across every genre.
How to Play the A Minor Chord
Finger position: x02210 — 4th string 2nd fret, 3rd string 2nd fret, 2nd string 1st fret. Minor chords often feel more natural under the fingers than their major counterparts. Focus on clean string separation and making sure no unwanted strings ring.
Explore Chord Voicings Interactively
The MusoKit Chord Finder shows every voicing for every chord — on guitar, piano, and bass.
Open Chord Finder →Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the A minor chord?
The A minor chord contains A – C – E. Built from: Root – Minor 3rd – Perfect 5th.
How do you play the A minor chord on guitar?
x02210 — 4th string 2nd fret, 3rd string 2nd fret, 2nd string 1st fret
What keys is the A minor chord in?
The A minor chord naturally appears in: A minor, C major, E major, G major.
What is the difference between A major and A minor?
A major contains A – C – E. A minor replaces the major 3rd with a minor 3rd — giving it a darker, more melancholic sound while keeping the same root and fifth.
See also: Chord Finder · Chord Progression Generator · Scale Explorer