THE Am AND E MAJOR CHORDS

In this video you'll learn the hand shape that makes up both the E major and Am chords, and where to place it to form each. Marty also teaches how to improve your muscle memory to play these chords flawlessly.

CHORDS FOR THIS LESSON

Two more very common chords used on guitar are Am and E major. The reason we learn them together is that they use the same hand shape. In this lesson, you'll learn the hand shape that makes up both the E major and Am chords, and where to place it to form each.

The A Minor Chord

The A minor chord is so common that whether you know it or not, you’ve heard it many times. Its minor tone can feel somber but can also provide an uplifting vibe when used in the right context.

Playing the A Minor Chord

Like all chords, there are several ways to play A minor. We’ll start with the open position A minor. This voicing is about as simple to play as any chord out there, requiring only three finger and very little “finger acrobatics” to get your fingers in the right place.

How to Play the A Minor Chord on the First Fret

Playing A minor in the first position requires just three fingers and (two open strings). To play A minor, first, place your index finger on the 1^st fret of the B string. Next, put your middle finger on the 2^nd fret of the D string. Last, put your ring finger down on the 2^nd fret of the G string. Strum all the strings besides Low E together and you’ll have a full, complete A minor chord.

What Notes Make up the A Minor Chord

The A minor chord is made of three notes—A, C, E. Like any minor chord, the three notes in the chord are the 1^st, 3^rd, and 5^th of the same minor scale.

Which Keys Have the A Minor Chord in Them?

The key of C uses the A minor chord often, since that is its relative minor. It’s also in the key of G as the minor ii and they key of Bb as the vii (with the addition of a flat fifth).

Popular Songs that use the A Minor Chord

There are far too many songs to count that use the beautiful sound of A minor. Here are a few that are quite well-known:

Johnny Cash - Hurt

The Beatles - While My Guitar Gently Weeps

Jimi Hendrix - All Along the Watchtower

Neil Young - Hey Hey My My

The E Major Chord

In some ways the E Major chord is at the heart of the guitar. By default, guitar is tuned in E Standard tuning, meaning both the highest and lowest strings are tuned to E (though at different octaves). And for whatever reason, E major is a chord most players learn very early on. So, suffice to say, it is important.

Playing the E Major Chord

Like all chords, E Major can be played in a variety of different ways, but the most common is in the first position. This voicing involves using three fingers to fret, while playing all six strings, so the other three ring open.

How to Play the E Major Chord on the First Fret

To play the E major chord, start with your index finger on the 1^st fret of the G string. Then, press your middle finger down on the 2^nd fret of the A string. Lastly, place your ring finger on the 2^nd fret of the D string. Strum all six strings to get the full sound of the E major chord.

What Notes Make Up the E Major Chord

The E major chord includes these notes—E, G, B. Like any major chord, the three notes in the chord are the 1^st, 3^rd, and 5^th of the same major scale.