Am on piano: root position and inversions
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Root position A – C – E -
1st inversion C – E – A -
2nd inversion E – A – C
How to play Am on piano
- A is the second white key inside a group of three black keys. That is the root.
- Add C (minor 3rd above) and E (perfect 5th above): press A, C and E together.
- Right hand: thumb (1) on A, middle finger (3) on C, little finger (5) on E. Left hand: little finger (5), middle finger (3), thumb (1).
- For a smoother change between chords, try an inversion (the same notes with a different one at the bottom), shown above.
Finger numbers: 1 thumb to 5 little finger. Fingering varies with hand size; these are common defaults.
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 guitar and ukulele
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Am guitar chord x02210 -
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.