The A Minor Key

The A (natural) minor key is the most beginner-friendly minor key on guitar. It shares the same notes as C major (its relative major) but centers on A, giving it a melancholic and emotional character. The A minor scale contains no sharps or flats: A, B, C, D, E, F, G.

They share the same notes but offer different emotional tones:

• C major: bright, neutral
• A minor: moody, expressive

Hence, it sounds expressive and works across genres: rock, folk, classical, metal, and pop

Since A minor is relative to C major, it shares the same key signature (no sharps or flats).

Famous Songs in A Minor

• “House of the Rising Sun” – The Animals
• “Stairway to Heaven” (intro) – Led Zeppelin
• “Nothing Else Matters” – Metallica
• “Nights in White Satin” – The Moody Blues
• “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” – Green Day

Famous songs in the key of A minor include Californication by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Dream of Mirrors by Iron Maiden.

A Minor Scale

The A natural minor scale includes: A – B – C – D – E – F – G – A

This scale is perfect for solos, melodies, and improvisation in minor-key contexts.

A Harmonic Minor Scale

The A harmonic minor scale introduces a raised 7th (G# instead of G) to create stronger tension and resolution, especially toward the dominant chord (E major): A – B – C – D – E – F – G# – A

This scale is used in classical, flamenco, metal, and neoclassical solos for its dramatic sound.

A Melodic Minor Scale

The A melodic minor scale raises both the 6th and 7th degrees (F# and G#) when ascending, and reverts to the natural minor scale when descending:

• Ascending: A – B – C – D – E – F# – G# – A
• Descending: A – G – F – E – D – C – B – A

It’s often used in jazz and fusion for a smoother melodic contour and modal versatility.

In Summary:

Fingering the A Minor Chord on Guitar

The open A minor chord is simple and widely used:

• Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string
• Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string
• Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the G string
• Strum from the A string down

A Minor Chord Attributes

• Intervals: 1 – b3 – 5
• Notes: A – C – E
• Chord Symbols: Am, Amin, A-

A Minor Diatonic Chords

Since the A minor key often combines two or more scales, it is used in a number of chords. Here are some examples:

Scale degree chords of the A natural minor scale:

i ii° III iv v VI VII
Am Bmb5 C Dm Em FG

Scale degree chords of the A harmonic minor scale:

i ii° III+ iv V VI VII°
Am Bmb5 C+ Dm E F G#mb5

Scale degree chords of the A melodic minor scale:

I ii III+ IV V vi° vii°
Am Bm C+ D E F#mb5 G#mb5

The most common chords in A minor are from the A natural minor scale, except for the 5th scale degree which is borrowed from A harmonic minor:

i ii° III iv V VI VII
Am Bmb5 C Dm E F G

Popular Chord Progressions in A Minor

• i – iv – v: Am – Dm – Em
• i – VI – III – VII: Am – F – C – G
• i – iv – VII – III: Am – Dm – G – C
• i – V – i: Am – E – Am (using the harmonic minor V chord)

Cadences in A Minor

• Perfect Cadence (V – i): E – Am
• Plagal Cadence (iv – i): Dm – Am
• Deceptive Cadence (V – VI): E – F

Tips for Playing in A Minor

1. Use Emotive Strumming: A minor sounds great with fingerpicking or dynamic strumming.
2. Try Harmonic Minor: Add G# to the A minor scale for a more dramatic, classical sound.
3. Improvise in A Minor Pentatonic: Especially useful for blues and rock.
4. Explore Chord Substitutions: Try Am7, Asus2, and other variations.

Conclusion

The A minor key is a powerful entry point into the world of minor keys. Whether you're writing sad ballads or dark riffs, it offers a wide expressive palette. It’s a must-know for every guitarist.

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