A-Minor Chord
This page dives into the A minor chord for guitar - voicings, compatible scales and modes, plus where it rings out in iconic songs. A minor (A • C • E) has a dark, melancholic, and emotional sound that works beautifully in rock, pop, indie, folk, and ballads.
Chord Voicings & Tablature
Common ways to play A minor
Classic Open Position (x02210)
e|---0---|
B|---1---|
G|---2---|
D|---2---|
A|---0---|
E|---x---|
Full Barre (5x755x)
e|---5---|
B|---x---|
G|---5---|
D|---7---|
A|---7---|
E|---5---|
High Voicing (12x14 14 13 12)
e|---12--|
B|---13--|
G|---14--|
D|---14--|
A|---12--|
E|---x---|
Scales & Modes That Fit Perfectly
A minor is the relative minor of C major, sharing the same notes but with a much darker feel. These scales and modes sound especially good over Am chords.
A Aeolian (Natural Minor)
A B C D E F G A
e|---------------------------5-7-|
B|-----------------------5-8-----|
G|-----------------5-7-9---------|
D|-----------5-7-9---------------|
A|-----5-7-8---------------------|
E|-5-7---------------------------|
A Minor Pentatonic
A C D E G
e|-------------------5-8-|
B|---------------5-8-----|
G|-----------5-7---------|
D|-------5-7-------------|
A|---5-8-----------------|
E|-5---------------------|
A-Minor in Legendary Songs
The open A minor chord delivers emotional depth in countless tracks:
"Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin – Iconic intro and verse progression features Am prominently.
"House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals – The haunting main chord in the famous arpeggiated pattern.
"Blackbird" by The Beatles – Central to the beautiful fingerstyle arrangement.
"Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen (Jeff Buckley version) – Emotional foundation of the ballad.
"Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica – Heavily used in the clean intro and verses.
"California Dreamin'" by The Mamas & The Papas – Classic folk-rock feel with open Am.
