Also known as G#m, the Ab minor chord has become a popular chord since the arrival of rock n’ roll. This chord is intriguing since it’s usually played as a barre chord even though it has an open chord shape. Even if it’s easier to play the open version of this chord, the player will get the best sound by playing its barre chord shape. Today, we’ll show you the easiest to the most challenging shapes that the Abm chord has in store for us!
Before we get into all of that, let’s talk about some music theory. Abm’s relative chords belong to the key of Abm, such as Bb diminished, Cb+, Dbm, Eb, Fb, and G diminished. If you’d like to compose using the Ab minor chord, we suggest using those chords. In case those chords aren’t enough for you, then you could try using other chords from the keys of Gb major, Db minor, and Eb minor.
Since barre chords are usually a bit challenging to play, we’ll show you different shapes that you can try while you’re still learning how to play Ab minor's standard shape. So, without further ado, let’s check some of these shapes!
Easy Ab Minor Chord Shape
This version of the Ab minor chord is the easiest shape you can try before you start learning how to play the rest of the chord shapes. You can do it in two ways: you either play the three first strings with your index, middle, and ring finger, or you can bar all those strings! Follow the next shapes to learn how to play it both ways:
Both of these chord shapes have the same sound. The only thing that changes is the fingers that you use, and by using the second shape, you’ll be training your finger for barre chords.
Ab Minor Triad Chord Shape
Knowing how to play the chord triads that Ab minor has in store for us will allow us to play this chord in simpler ways than the natural form. Not only that, but every triad has a unique ring, even if they’re playing the same notes. Adding these chords to your repertoire will help you now and even later! Follow the next images to learn how to play the different Ab minor triads:
Standard Ab Minor Chord Shape
The standard chord shape of Abm is a barre chord, which isn’t unusual; many other chords are similarly played as barre chords. We recommend you practice the previous chord shapes on this page since barre chords can be a little bit tricky for beginners. Don’t get discouraged! Even though they’re challenging, beginner guitar players could be able to play them with some practice!
We recommend you follow these tips to get your hand used to playing barre chords:
- Press with the side of your index finger the whole set of strings on the first frets. For now, just use that finger until you produce a good sound out of all the strings.
- As soon as you can play all the notes with your index finger pressing them, you can proceed to place the other fingers where they belong to play the chord.
- Practice the chord as much as you can. You can do that by pressing and releasing the strings while following the shape.
Follow the next image to learn how to play the standard Abm major chord:
Ab Minor Barre Chord Shape
If you’d like to know another way in which you can play the Abm minor barre chord, follow the next image and don’t forget to follow the previous tips:
