How to Build an A Minor Chord on the Guitar

In chord building, guitar players add notes to form a resonant chord. The A minor is one of the easier chords to build because it relies on open E, which is part of the chord. In major or minor chords, you use three elements of the chromatic scale, the 1, 5 and 3. For a minor, you bring the 3 down a half step. Here's how to create the most common form of A minor.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Leave the two bottom strings open. You have your E (5) and your A (1).
2. Put your middle finger on the second fret of the D string (third string from bottom). You have another E note.
3. Place your ring finger on the second fret of the G string (fourth string from bottom). You have your A again.
4. Put your index finger on the first fret of the B string (second string from top). Here's where we complement these As and Es with a C, the third of the chord.
5. Leave the top string open for your third and highest E note.

Tips & Warnings

• You may find chord building tricky. In the case of A minor, look at your A major and see the small change. Your B string finger goes down one fret to make the chord minor. Seeing changes like this helps you find the "pattern" and decipher chord building for yourself. A little music theory knowledge can help you master the fret board.