The chord collection

The Am chord, left-handed

Beginner · Minor. Build the shape, check each string and hear how it sounds.

Left-handed Am diagram

Vertical: high e on the left, nut at the top. Horizontal: high e at the top, nut on the right. X = silent, O = open. Dot numbers are fingers: 1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little. A thick line joins notes held with one finger as a barre.

Fret and finger guide

Both codes read from low E to high e, regardless of the diagram view.

Frets
x · 0 · 2 · 2 · 1 · 0
Fingers
– · – · 2 · 3 · 1 · –
Level
Beginner (this fingering)

Make a clean Am chord

Begin on the A string and leave low E silent. Keep the first finger clear of high E.

  1. Place one finger at a time, just behind the fret wire.
  2. Pick each sounding string slowly. Adjust any finger that mutes its neighbour.
  3. Release pressure, then make the shape again. Aim for a relaxed hand.
  4. Strum four beats, rest for four, then repeat. Rest if your hand becomes tired; stop if you feel pain.

Another way to play it

Try xx2210 for a smaller four-string voicing, starting on D.

Fret codes are written low E to high e. An x means leave that string silent.

Practise chord changes with a metronome →
Understand the sound

Am notes and chord formula

A minor triad lowers the third of a major triad by one fret. Listen to the difference between the major and minor sound on the same root.

Formula
1 – b3 – 5
Chord notes
A – C – E

How to read chord diagrams · Build a comfortable barre · Connect chord shapes with CAGED

Explore related shapes

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