This lesson provides an introduction to basic open and barre chords for minor keys, with an example song showing how these chords can be used to form an entire progression.
Minor chords can often be overlooked by guitarists, yet they offer a great way to add depth and emotion to a song. So let’s get going!
A minor chord
Beginners to acoustic guitar should focus on learning minor chords as one of their first acoustic chords to master. Easy and accessible, all it requires are some finger positions on the fretboard to play this chord – also popular due to numerous songs written in this key such as Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven written using this key!
The A minor chord is an ideal way to capture contrasts between happy and sad emotions within a chord progression, as well as to build tension in music. Additionally, its use with major 7 chords provides beautiful juxtaposition between bright major 7s and the darkness of minor 3, making this chord perfect for progressions in minor keys.
B minor chord
The B minor chord (commonly abbreviated as Bm) is an essential barre chord that guitarists will come across during their musical careers. Commonly found in keys such as D and G, it’s usually one of the first minor chords beginner guitarists will learn.
To play this chord, position your index finger behind the second fret of the fifth, or A, string and your middle finger by the second fret of the third, G string. This will leave open strings 2, 4, 6, but barring requires strong fingers that need to arch behind frets without muting strings and creating an unpleasant sound.
C minor chord
C minor chord is an effective choice in many genres of music, offering soft yet somber tones which lend themselves well to creating songs with an atmospheric quality. Additionally, its melancholy sound makes it suitable for love ballads that depict unrequited romance or deep emotions that need expression.
This chord can also be found in major key chord progressions. Learning different inversions will add depth and dimension to your musical style and help make compositions sound more intriguing.
To play this chord, start by placing your index finger on the 3rd fret of the high E string, followed by your middle finger at 4th fret of B string and your ring finger on 5th fret of G string.
D minor chord
D minor is one of the easiest chords for beginning players to learn and is commonly featured in songs by The Beach Boys such as “Help me Rhonda.” No matter your experience level or playing style, D minor will make a wonderful addition to your chord repertoire.
Though often associated with sad or melancholic music, D minor can also be an uplifting key to play in. Many classical composers such as Scarlatti and J.S. Bach have chosen D minor as part of their compositional styles.
D Minor chords can be played either as open chords or barre chords, the latter of which requires using your index finger on the 1st fret and middle and ring fingers two frets above to form it.
E minor chord
The E minor chord, more commonly referred to as Em, is one of the most prevalent minor chords found in music. It can be played multiple ways and utilized to form various chord progressions; therefore it’s essential that players practice playing this chord and all its variations as well as moving between it and other chords.
An easy way to play an E minor chord is in open position, by placing your second finger on the fifth string’s second fret and leaving all other strings unfretted.
Another variation is the Em barre chord, which can be performed by barring across all five strings with your first finger and barring across first to fifth strings with third finger. Add low open E string for thicker sound.