A minor chord on piano
Am · Amin · A− — the darker, sadder sound: a major chord with its third lowered.
| Notes | A – C – E |
|---|---|
| Formula | 1 – ♭3 – 5 |
| Symbols | Am, Amin, A− |
| Fingering (root position) | Right hand 1 3 5 · Left hand 5 3 1 |
How to play A minor on the piano
Start on A. Add the third (C) and the fifth (E). With the right hand use fingers 1 3 5; with the left hand 5 3 1. Press the keys together for the chord, or one after another for an arpeggio.
Inversions
The same notes in a different order: the lowest note changes, the chord stays A minor. Inversions let you move between chords with small steps.
Root position
A – C – E · RH 1 3 5 · LH 5 3 1
1st inversion
C – E – A · RH 1 2 5 · LH 5 3 1
2nd inversion
E – A – C · RH 1 3 5 · LH 5 2 1
Which keys use A minor
In these keys the chord is built from the notes of the scale itself:
Its relative major chord is C major.
Other A chords
A majorA diminishedA augmentedA sus2A sus4A6A7A major seventhA minor seventhA diminished seventhA half-diminished
Practise chords with the Klavola app
Get the app
Lessons, ear training, chord pads and hundreds of songs that listen to you play.