The A Minor Chord

What Strings and Frets to Push Down

The A minor (Am) chord is a similar shape to the Em chord. Lets take a look at how to construct this chord.

First, place your fingers on your Em chord. This is a good starting place because the Am is a similar shape. As if your middle and ring were glued together, move them from the 4th and 5th strings to the 3rd and 4th strings. Now place your index finger on the 1st fret, 2nd string. In total, you should be pushing down 3 strings. Make sure your fingers are arched enough so they don't touch and dampen the sound of other strings.

For the Am chord practice strumming all strings except for the 6th string. This will make more sense when we move onto alternating bass strumming.