All 4 ways to play Am on guitar
-
x02210 open position -
x02555 open position -
x-0-7-9-10-8 open position -
577555 at the 5th fret
Diagrams: strings run from the lowest on the left; X = don't play, O = open string, numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger).
How to play Am on guitar
Main shape: x02210 (open position).
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 2nd fret of the D (4th) string.
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 2nd fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Put your index finger (1) on the 1st fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Let the A (5th) and high E (1st) strings ring open (marked O).
- Don't play the low E (6th) string (marked X).
- Strum from the A (5th) string down (5 strings).
Am notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| A | 1 | root |
| C | ♭3 | minor 3rd |
| E | 5 | perfect 5th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: Am/C (1st inversion) and Am/E (2nd inversion).
Am on piano and ukulele
-
Am piano chord A – C – E -
Am on ukulele 2000
Which keys use Am?
Am is one of the basic chords of 6 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| C major | Am | vi | tonic |
| A minor | Am | i | tonic |
| F major | Am | iii | tonic or dominant |
| G major | Am | ii | predominant |
| D minor | Am | v | dominant |
| E minor | Am | iv | predominant |
Progressions with Am
- I–V–vi–IV in C major: C – G – Am – F The four-chord pop progression (also called the Axis progression).
- vi–IV–I–V in C major: Am – F – C – G The same four chords, starting on the minor vi.
- I–vi–IV–V in C major: C – Am – F – G The '50s or doo-wop progression.
- I–IV–vi–V in C major: C – F – Am – G The four chords of I–V–vi–IV in another order.
- I–iii–IV–iv in F major: F – Am – B♭ – B♭m Ends on the minor iv, borrowed from the minor key.