Tools / Chords / A minor

A minor chord on bass (Am)

Also 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.

5th fret5-7-7-5

Positions on the neck1 of 3

How it’s built

A1Root

C♭3Minor 3rd

E5Perfect 5th

Formula 1, ♭3, 5

Positions on the neck1 of 3

Inversions

The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.

Root positionA–C–EAmBass A

First inversionC–E–AAm/CBass C

Second inversionE–A–CAm/EBass E

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.

How do you play an A minor chord on bass?

5th fret

Intermediate● On the diagram

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.

Tip — The stretch between the index finger on the 5th fret and the ring and pinky on the 7th fret requires comfortable finger independence.

String-by-string 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)

Amin/C inversion

Intermediate

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.

String-by-string 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

Beginner

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.

String-by-string 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)

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.

String

Fret

Finger

Note

4 (E)

A (1)

3 (A)

E (5)

2 (D)

A (1)

1 (G)

C (♭3)

String

Fret

Finger

Note

4 (E)

C (♭3)

3 (A)

E (5)

2 (D)

A (1)

1 (G)

E (5)

String

Fret

Finger

Note

4 (E)

open

—

E (5)

3 (A)

C (♭3)

2 (D)

E (5)

1 (G)

A (1)