Am chord on piano
A Minor. Notes: A, C and E.
How to play Am
- Find A just below middle C. That is the root.
- Add C and E above it, skipping the keys in between.
- Right hand fingering: 1-3-5 (thumb, middle, pinky). Left hand: 5-3-1 (pinky, middle, thumb).
Notes
Am inversions
An inversion moves the lowest note up an octave. Same notes, smoother jumps between chords.
Root position
A · C · E1st inversion
C · E · A2nd inversion
E · A · CNotes and theory
The minor triad swaps the major third for a minor third, which gives it a darker, sadder color. The formula is 1 b3 5, and you will also see it written as Amin and A-.
Keys that use Am
More A chords
All A piano chordsminor chords in every key
Questions
What notes are in the Am chord?
Am (A minor) is made of three notes: A (root), C (minor third) and E (perfect fifth).
How do you play Am on piano?
Play A, C and E together. With the right hand use fingers 1-3-5 (thumb, middle, pinky); with the left hand use 5-3-1 (pinky, middle, thumb).
What are the inversions of Am?
Root position: A C E. 1st inversion: C E A. 2nd inversion: E A C.
What is the difference between Am and A?
Only the third changes. A major uses a major third and sounds bright; A minor lowers that note by a half step, which makes it sound darker. The root and the fifth stay the same.
What key is Am in?
Am belongs to 6 keys: C major (as the vi chord), F major (as the iii chord), G major (as the ii chord), D minor (as the v chord), E minor (as the iv chord) and A minor (as the i chord).
What does a minor chord sound like?
The minor triad swaps the major third for a minor third, which gives it a darker, sadder color.