How to play

How to play the A minor over F# chord on guitar

Unlock the secrets of iconic songs like "Stairway to Heaven" and "Hotel California."

The Am/F# chord

The Am/F# chord, pronounced "A minor over F sharp," is a unique and intriguing chord that adds depth to a guitarist's repertoire. This chord is created by playing an F# bass note while simultaneously fretting an A minor chord shape, resulting in a haunting and melancholic sound. The Am/F# chord is often used in genres like indie rock, folk, and alternative music.

There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common A minor over F# chord. We've also included other versions below.

A minor over F# guitar chord diagram

Unlock your playing potential in online guitar lessons with experts on Til. Start today and achieve your guitar goals quickly. Find a top-rated teacher.

Finger placement for Am/F# chord

The A minor over F# chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 2nd fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play an A minor over F# chord on your guitar:

  1. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st (high E), 2nd (B), 3rd (G), 4th (D), 5th (A), and 6th (low E) strings, forming a barre.
  2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
  3. Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
  4. Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

To strum this chord, place your fingers in the correct positions and strum all six strings simultaneously with a downward motion.

A minor over F# guitar chord with finger positions

How to play an easy Am/F# chord on guitar

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the A minor over F# chord, try this:

  1. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th (D) string.
  2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
  3. Play only the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings.

How to play a Am/F# bar chord

Playing the A minor over F# chord as a barre chord can make it easier to transition to and from other barre chords, and can also provide a fuller sound compared to the open chord version.

Here's how to play an A minor over F# barre chord:

  1. Place your index finger across all six strings on the 2nd fret, creating a barre.
  2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
  3. Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
  4. Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
  5. Strum from the 5th (A) string down.

Common Am/F# chord progressions

The A minor over F# chord adds a melancholic and contemplative feel to chord progressions, often used in introspective and emotionally charged songs. Here are some common chord progressions featuring this chord:

  • i - III - iv - i (Am/F# - C - Dm - Am/F#)
  • i - VII - iv - i (Am/F# - G - Dm - Am/F#)
  • i - VI - III - VII (Am/F# - F - C - G)
  • i - iv - VII - III (Am/F# - Dm - G - C)
  • i - iv - i - VII (Am/F# - Dm - Am/F# - G) Used in "Creep" by Radiohead

Drills to master the Am/F# chord

To master the A minor over F# guitar chord, try this simple drill: play each note of the chord individually, starting with the lowest note (F#) and working your way up to the highest (E). Focus on clarity and precision as you pluck each string. Once you're comfortable with this, try playing the notes in reverse order, starting with the highest note and descending to the lowest.

Another effective drill is to play the chord as an arpeggio, plucking each note one after the other in a continuous sequence. Experiment with different rhythms and tempos to keep things interesting.

Unlock your playing potential in online guitar lessons with experts on Til. Start today and achieve your guitar goals quickly. Find a top-rated teacher.

Jared K.

"This was a great class. I learned a lot from Dylan and Eugene and the lessons were very fun. They are both extremely knowledgeable and experienced teachers. I look forward to any future classes."

Songs that feature the Am/F# chord

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the A minor over F# chord.

  1. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (Am/F#, C/G, D/F#, Am, G, D)
  2. Hotel California by Eagles (Bm, F#, A, E, G, D, Em, F#7)
  3. Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton (A, E, F#m, D, A/C#, Bm, Esus4, E)
  4. Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (Em, G, Am/F#, G, C, D, Am)
  5. Wonderwall by Oasis (Em, G, D, Am7, C, Am/F#)
  6. Blackbird by The Beatles (G, A, B, C, D, E, F#)
  7. Dust in the Wind by Kansas (C, Am/F#, Dm7/F, G)
  8. Angie by The Rolling Stones (Am, E7, G, F, C, Dm, Am/F#)
  9. Landslide by Fleetwood Mac (C, G/B, Am7, G, D7/F#, G)
  10. Fast Car by Tracy Chapman (C, G, Em, D, Am/F#)

How a guitar teacher can help

If you feel stuck in your playing, it might help to take personalized guitar lessons with an expert guitarist. Taking lessons with a pro gives you access to the skills, feedback, and motivation to reach your goals.

You can find expert guitar teachers to support you in the journey. Thousands of people have turned to online guitar lessons on Til, instead of traditional in-person lessons, because Til gives you access to the best teachers in the world from the comfort of home. And with flexible scheduling, secure payments, lesson recordings, and a private chat with your teacher–there’s never been a better way to learn guitar.

View A chord alterations