Minor chords create the emotional, melancholic, and introspective sounds in music. From sad ballads to haunting rock songs, understanding minor chords is essential for every musician. This guide covers every minor chord on guitar and piano.
What Makes a Chord Minor?
A minor chord has three notes: the root, a flat 3rd (minor 3rd), and a 5th. The only difference between major and minor is the 3rd — it’s lowered by one half step (one fret on guitar, one key on piano) in a minor chord.
C Major: C – E – G
C Minor: C – Eb – G
That single note change transforms the entire emotional character of the chord.
Open Minor Chords on Guitar
Am (A Minor)
The most common minor chord. Index on 1st fret (2nd string), middle on 2nd fret (4th string), ring on 2nd fret (3rd string). Strum strings 1-5.
Dm (D Minor)
Index on 1st fret (1st string), middle on 2nd fret (3rd string), ring on 3rd fret (2nd string). Strum strings 1-4 only.
Em (E Minor)
The easiest guitar chord! Middle on 2nd fret (5th string), ring on 2nd fret (4th string). Strum all six strings.
Barre Minor Chords on Guitar
E-Shape Minor Barre
Based on the Em shape moved up the neck with a barre. This gives you every minor chord:
– Fm: 1st fret barre
– Gm: 3rd fret barre
– Bm: 2nd fret barre (one of the most needed chords)
– Cm: 3rd fret barre (using A-shape) or 8th fret E-shape
A-Shape Minor Barre
Based on the Am shape. Barre with index finger, then form the Am shape with remaining fingers, shifted up.
Minor Chords on Piano
All 12 Minor Chords
Am: A – C – E
Bbm: Bb – Db – F
Bm: B – D – F#
Cm: C – Eb – G
C#m: C# – E – G#
Dm: D – F – A
Ebm: Eb – Gb – Bb
Em: E – G – B
Fm: F – Ab – C
F#m: F# – A – C#
Gm: G – Bb – D
G#m: G# – B – D#
Common Minor Chord Progressions
i – iv – v (Am – Dm – Em)
The natural minor progression. Used in countless rock and pop songs.
i – VI – III – VII (Am – F – C – G)
The “epic minor” progression. Used in “All Along the Watchtower,” “Stairway to Heaven,” and many more.
i – v – VI – IV (Am – Em – F – Dm)
A dramatic, emotional progression common in film scores and ballads.
Songs Built on Minor Chords
– House of the Rising Sun — Am, C, D, F, E
– Nothing Else Matters — Em based
– Stairway to Heaven — Am, G, F progression
– Zombie — Em, C, G, D
– Hallelujah — Am appears throughout
– Hotel California — Bm, F#, A, E, G, D, Em