How to play the A minor over G chord on guitar
Unlock the secrets of songs like "Wonderwall" and "Hotel California".
The Am/G chord
The Am/G chord, pronounced "A minor over G," is a unique and versatile chord that adds depth to your guitar playing. This slash chord combines the melancholic sound of A minor with the stability of a G bass note, creating a rich and expressive harmony. Commonly used in folk, indie, and alternative music, the Am/G chord is a favorite among songwriters and guitarists alike.
There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common A minor over G chord. We've also included other versions below.
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Finger placement for Am/G chord
The most common way to play the A minor over G chord on guitar is played on the 2nd fret as a barre chord.
Follow these finger positions to play a A minor over G chord on your guitar:
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th (A), 4th (D), 3rd (G), 2nd (B), and 1st (high E) strings, forming a barre.
- Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 1st (high E) string.
To strum this chord, place your fingers in the correct positions and strum all the strings together in a downward motion. You can also try alternating between downward and upward strums for a more dynamic sound.
How to play an easy Am/G chord on guitar
If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the A minor over G chord, try playing an open A minor chord (no barring required) and simply add your pinky finger to the 3rd fret of the low E string. This way, you'll have the G bass note without the complexity of a full barre chord.
How to play a Am/G bar chord
The A minor chord played over a G bass note is a nice way to add some variety and richness to your chord progressions. It's a bit more challenging than a standard Am chord, but with practice you'll get it down in no time.
Here's how to play an Am/G bar chord:
- Place your index finger across all six strings at the 3rd fret to form the barre.
- Place your middle finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 5th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
- Strum from the 5th (A) string down.
Common Am/G chord progressions
The A minor over G chord, also known as Am/G, adds a melancholic and introspective flavor to chord progressions. It often serves as a transitional chord, creating a sense of tension and resolution. Here are some common chord progressions featuring Am/G:
- i - III - VII - IV (Am - C - G - D) - Used in "Wonderwall" by Oasis and "No Woman, No Cry" by Bob Marley
- i - VII - IV - V (Am - G - D - E)
- i - VI - III - VII (Am - F - C - G)
- i - VII - VI - VII (Am - G - F - G) - Used in "Hotel California" by The Eagles
- i - V - VII - IV (Am - E - G - D)
Drills to master the Am/G chord
To master the A minor over G guitar chord, try playing the notes in different orders. Start by playing G, C, E, A, then mix it up with A, E, C, G. Experiment with various sequences to develop muscle memory and familiarity with the chord.
Another effective drill is to practice transitioning between the A minor over G chord and other chords you commonly use. Play a progression like G, A minor over G, C, and D, focusing on smooth transitions. With time and repetition, you'll master this chord and integrate it seamlessly into your playing.
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Songs that feature the Am/G chord
Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the A minor over G chord:
- Wonderwall by Oasis (Em7, G, Dsus4, A7sus4, Cadd9, Am7)
- Hey There Delilah by Plain White T's (D, F#m, Bm, G, A, Asus2)
- Let It Be by The Beatles (C, G, Am, F)
- House of the Rising Sun by The Animals (Am, C, D, F)
- Zombie by The Cranberries (Em, C, G, D)
- Knockin' on Heaven's Door by Bob Dylan (G, D, Am7, C)
- Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (Em, G, A, Am, C, D)
- Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (Am, G, C, D, F)
- Hotel California by Eagles (Bm, F#, A, E, G, D, Em)
- Nothing Else Matters by Metallica (Em, D, C, G, B7, Am)
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.