In this lesson we are going to learn a simple A Minor chord.

This is the first chord where you will need to use two fingers at the same time.

Some of the notes in this chord are "open" string notes. In this case, make sure to keep your fingers clear of that string so you don't mute it. You want to have your hand "hovering" or "arched" slightly over any string that has an "open" string note. Some of the notes are "fretted" notes. In this case, we need to use two fingers: index and middle fingers. Place the tip of your index finger right behind the first fret of the B string (the second thinnest one).

Next, reach over the B string and place your middle finger on the second fret of the G string (the third thinnest one). Remember, it is important to use the tips of your fingers. Remember that both fingers should be arched so that from the last knuckle of your finger to the fingertip both fingers are pointing straight down into the string & fretboard. Also, if your middle finger is not arched enough it might mute the B string from ringing and you will not be able to hear the note that your index finger is fretting. Remember, both fingertips should be right behind the fret you are playing.

Remember, your thumb should be placed directly opposite your fingers on the back of the neck. Your thumb should provide just enough pressure to keep your hand firmly in place on the neck and opposing pressure to help your fingers hold down any fretted notes. Remember that you want just enough pressure to get the job done. Not too little, not too much.

First, get the notes of these beginning chords to sound. After you can do that, start to experiment with exactly how much pressure you need in order to play fretted notes and chords.

We want to practice playing each chord using two different approaches. We want to individually pluck each string slowly right after one another. This will give us a way to hear whether or not every note in the chord is sounding as clearly as possible. After you've made sure that each note is sounding as clearly as possible, then we want to strum the chord, lightly grazing the pick over each string quickly right after one another. This is typically how chords are strummed on the guitar. Once you get used to this technique, try to strum back and forth.