How to play the Am chord on guitar
Am is the same shape as E moved over one string, so it is easy to learn, but the open 1st string is often muted by the index finger.
The 3D hands holding Am. Switch to 0.5× and turn the guitar to see each finger.
Where the fingers go
- Middle finger (2) on the D (4th) string, fret 2.
- Ring finger (3) on the G (3rd) string, fret 2.
- Index finger (1) on the B (2nd) string, fret 1.
- Let A (5th) and high E (1st) ring open.
- Do not play low E (6th).
Notes in the chord: A – E – C
Tips
- Roll the index finger slightly toward the nut so its pad stays off the 1st string.
- Skip the low E and start the strum on the open A.
- Am to C only moves the ring finger. Use that to learn smooth chord changes.
Easier ways to play Am
Am7
x 0 2 0 1 0
Two fingers. Softer, but it works where Am is held for a whole bar.
Practise Am inside a real song
Paste the chords of any song that uses Am, or snap a photo of the sheet. SnapFret plays it with the hands, and you can loop the change you find hardest.
Open the player