A Minor Guitar Chord - Chart, Diagram & Tutorial
A minor is an essential open chord—very similar to E major shape. Ring on 2nd fret D, middle on 2nd fret G, index on 1st fret B. Used in countless songs across all genres.
A Minor chord chart - finger placement guide
- Index: 1st fret B
- Middle: 2nd fret G
- Ring: 2nd fret D
Tip: Download PNG to get a high-quality, printable A Minor guitar chord diagram for offline practice. Perfect for your practice room or teaching.
How to play A Minor on guitar
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Tune your guitar
Make sure your guitar is in tune before practicing A Minor. Use our free online tuner to get each string right.
Open guitar tunerSongs that use the A Minor guitar chord
- House of the Rising Sun
- Stairway to Heaven
- Hurt
- Knockin' on Heaven's Door
- Wish You Were Here
Practice tips for the A Minor guitar chord
- Start slowly and focus on clean finger placement
- Use a metronome to build consistency
- Practice transitions to and from common chords
Common mistakes when playing A Minor
When learning the A Minor chord, beginners often struggle with getting a clean sound on all strings and keeping fingers close to the frets.
Tip: Practice slowly and check that each string rings clearly before increasing the tempo. If you hear buzzing, adjust your finger position slightly closer to the fret.
Common mistakes include:
- Letting the ring or middle finger touch the high E string, muting it.
- Pressing too lightly on the B string, causing a dull or muted tone.
- Strumming the low E string instead of starting from the A string.
Common chord progressions with A Minor
The A Minor chord works great in these progressions:
A Minor guitar chord FAQ
Is A Minor a beginner chord?
It depends on the variant. Many basic forms of A Minor are suitable for beginners; barre and extended variants require more finger strength and practice.
What fingers do I use for A Minor?
Use the fingering guide above the diagram. In general: index (1), middle (2), ring (3), and pinky (4). Place one finger at a time and check that each string rings clearly.
How hard is the A Minor chord?
The A Minor chord is considered beginner difficulty.
How do you play A Minor for beginners?
Start by placing your fingers according to the diagram. Press down firmly just behind the frets, not on top of them. Strum slowly and check that each string rings clearly before speeding up.
What songs can I play with A Minor?
Popular songs using A Minor include House of the Rising Sun, Stairway to Heaven, Hurt. This chord appears in many genres from rock to folk.
Last updated: February 12, 2026