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A minor chord on bass (Am)
Also called or written Am or Amin
A minor contains the notes A, C, and E. This 5th-fret shape is a compact four-string voicing that suits intermediate players looking for a movable minor chord.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5
How do you play an A minor chord on bass?
A minor is played at the 5th fret as 5 7 7 5: index finger on the E string at fret 5, ring finger on the A string at fret 7, pinky finger on the D string at fret 7 and middle finger on the G string at fret 5.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5 | 1 | A (1) |
| 3 (A) | 7 | 3 | E (5) |
| 2 (D) | 7 | 4 | A (1) |
| 1 (G) | 5 | 2 | C (♭3) |
IntermediateThe stretch between the index finger on the 5th fret and the ring and pinky on the 7th fret requires comfortable finger independence.
Amin/C inversion
A minor is played at the 7th fret as 8 7 7 9: ring finger on the E string at fret 8, index finger on the A string at fret 7, middle finger on the D string at fret 7 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 9.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8 | 3 | C (♭3) |
| 3 (A) | 7 | 1 | E (5) |
| 2 (D) | 7 | 2 | A (1) |
| 1 (G) | 9 | 4 | E (5) |
Amin/E inversion
A minor is played in open position as 0 3 2 2: ring finger on the A string at fret 3, index finger on the D string at fret 2 and middle finger on the G string at fret 2. The E string rings open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | open | — | E (5) |
| 3 (A) | 3 | 3 | C (♭3) |
| 2 (D) | 2 | 1 | E (5) |
| 1 (G) | 2 | 2 | A (1) |
Why it sounds like that
A minor is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, with the ♭3 (C) giving it its minor quality. The interval from A to C is a minor 3rd, and from A to E is a perfect 5th. Compared to A major, the third is lowered by one semitone.
What goes wrong with A minor?
- Letting the middle finger flatten onto the 1st string and mute it.
- Pressing the ring finger too far from the fret, causing the 3rd string to buzz.
- Striking the strings too hard and losing the clarity of the inner notes.
When to use it
A minor is the vi chord in C major, appearing in progressions like C–G–Am–F (I–V–vi–IV). It suits folk, rock, and pop lines where a darker color is needed without leaving the key.
Changing to and from A minor
- Move to G minor by sliding the shape down two frets to the 3rd fret.
- Move to B minor by sliding the shape up two frets to the 7th fret.
Which voicing to use
The 5th-fret shape puts the root A in the bass, giving a solid, centered sound. For a lighter feel, use the Amin/E inversion, which places the fifth E in the bass and softens the chord's attack.
Other A chords
Common questions
How does A minor differ from A major?
A minor lowers the third from C♯ to C, changing the chord's quality from bright to somber. The fifth and root remain the same.
What scales work over A minor?
A natural minor and A minor pentatonic are the most direct choices. The blues scale adds a ♭5 for a grittier sound.
Can I play A minor with a barre?
The 5th-fret shape uses individual fingers, not a barre. The Amin/E inversion at the open position is easier for beginners.