Explore chords · Ukulele
A♭ minor chord on ukulele (A♭m)
Also called or written A♭m or A♭min
A♭ minor contains A♭, C♭, and E♭. The 6th-fret shape mutes the G string, leaving three strings to strum.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5
How do you play an A♭ minor chord on ukulele?
A♭ minor is played at the 6th fret as × 8 7 6: ring finger on the C string at fret 8, middle finger on the E string at fret 7 and index finger on the A string at fret 6. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 8 | 3 | A♭ (1) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 2 | C♭ (♭3) |
| 1 (A) | 6 | 1 | E♭ (5) |
IntermediateThe G string must be muted while three fingers stretch across the 6th, 7th, and 8th frets, which can cause hand fatigue.
A♭min/E♭ inversion
A♭ minor is played at the 2nd fret as 4 3 4 2: ring finger on the G string at fret 4, middle finger on the C string at fret 3, pinky finger on the E string at fret 4 and index finger on the A string at fret 2.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 3 | C♭ (♭3) |
| 3 (C) | 3 | 2 | E♭ (5) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 4 | A♭ (1) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 1 | C♭ (♭3) |
6th fret · 8-8-7-6
A♭ minor is played at the 6th fret as 8 8 7 6: ring finger on the G string at fret 8, pinky finger on the C string at fret 8, middle finger on the E string at fret 7 and index finger on the A string at fret 6.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8 | 3 | E♭ (5) |
| 3 (C) | 8 | 4 | A♭ (1) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 2 | C♭ (♭3) |
| 1 (A) | 6 | 1 | E♭ (5) |
Why it sounds like that
A♭ minor is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5. The minor 3rd between A♭ and C♭ gives the chord its melancholy quality. Compare it to A♭ major, which raises the 3rd by a semitone.
What goes wrong with A♭ minor?
- Let the muted G string ring out, adding a note outside the chord.
- Flatten the middle finger onto the A string, muffling the 6th fret note.
When to use it
A♭ minor fits introspective indie and jazz ballads. Pair it with E major for a gentle resolution.
Changing to and from A♭ minor
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 4th fret gives F♯ minor.
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 5th fret gives G minor.
Which voicing to use
The 6th fret voicing puts A♭ in the bass for a root-position sound. The A♭min/B inversion places C♭ in the bass, giving a darker, more ambiguous feel. The A♭min/D♯ inversion puts E♭ in the bass, which sounds more open and airy.
Other A♭ chords
Common questions
How is A♭ minor written?
A♭ minor is written as A♭m, A♭min, A♭−, or A♭mi. On a keyboard, type Ab minor because the ♭ symbol is not on standard keys. It is also spelled G♯ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Why is the G string muted in the 6th fret shape?
The open G string is not a chord tone of A♭ minor. Muting it keeps the chord from sounding muddy or wrong.
What is the difference between A♭ minor and A♭ major?
A♭ minor has a C♭, while A♭ major has a C natural. The lowered third is what makes the chord sound sad or serious.
Can I play A♭ minor without muting a string?
Yes, the A♭min/B inversion uses all four strings and no muting. It is more difficult to finger but gives a fuller sound.