The A minor chord consists of the notes A, C and E. These notes form the basis and define the characteristic sound of the chord. A minor is a triad in which the minor third (c) and the fifth (e) start from the root (a).
So much for the theory – of course this chord appears in countless pieces. You can find out how to play this chord and in which context it is often used here in this blog.
2. The inversions of A Minor
A chord can be played in three different positions: root position, 1. Reversal and 2. Reversal.
- Basic position: The notes are played in their original order: a – c – e.
- 1. Inversion: Here the root note a is shifted upwards so that the sequence c – e – a is created.
- 2. Inversion: Now the c is also moved upwards, and the sequence is e – a – c. Each inversion has its own sound character and is used depending on the musical context
3. Fingerings for the right and left hand for the pianists
Right hand:
- Root Position (a – c – e): Thumb (1), middle finger (3), little finger (5)
- 1. Inversion (c – e – a): thumb (1), index finger (2), little finger (5)
- 2. Inversion (e – a – c): thumb (1), middle finger (3), little finger (5)
Left hand:
- Root Position (a – c – e): Little finger (5), middle finger (3), thumb (1)
- 1. Inversion (c – e – a): Little finger (5), index finger (2), thumb (1)
- 1. Inversion (e – a – c): Little finger (5), middle finger (3), thumb (1)
By the way: guitarists learn the A minor very early on, it is a “Campfire" Chord that is easy to pick up even with little playing experience. :)
4. Song accompaniment on the piano
To accompany a piece, you can play the bass note (a) in your left hand and the chord in one of the three positions in your right hand. If you just add a rhythmic pulsation (which can be just quarter notes) and start singing the melody over it, you already create the impression of a complete piece.
The secret lies in mastering the chords and accompaniment so well that you can concentrate fully on the voice. This means that your hands and your feeling for the pulsation should be internalized, you should no longer concentrate on it with your mind. A simple accompaniment, e. B. Quarter notes at a steady tempo is often enough and it starts to sound. Listen to “Let it be" from the Beatles, then you already know what I mean.
5. The functional harmonic levels of A minor
A minor can occur in different keys and fulfills different functions:
- 6. Step in C ajor: A minor brings a calming, melancholy note to the key of C major.
- 3. degree in F major: Here A minor often serves as a harmonic complement to the tonic (F major).
- 2. degree in G major: A minor functions as a subdominant parallel and often leads to the dominant (D major).
6. Spread voicing for A minor chord
Now it’s getting professional A spread voicing distributes the notes of the chord over several octaves. For example: play the a in your left hand while you play the notes c and e an octave higher in your right hand. Alternatively, you can omit the e and only play a and c in the right hand. This ensures an airy and modern sound.
7. Why it’s important to know the notes of the chord (super important!)
Knowing the notes of a chord allows you to play it flexibly on the keyboard. You are not limited to a certain position and can shape the sound to your personal taste. Your ear is trained and you develop the ability to accompany spontaneously and creatively. So basically there are only 2 components: – knowledge of the names of the notes on the keyboard – knowledge of the notes of the chord – for the prospective professionals: knowledge of the corresponding scale or scale of the chord. also which functional-harmonic relationship exists. (as explained above)