In this course, we continue our barre chord quest and tackle the A minor shape. This shape is based on the A string so it involves re-learning the notes on the A string, more barre chord exercises and finally a cool R&B style song to get your mastering the new chord shape!
Our second chord shape is based on the Am open chord. The main difference here, as well as the shape, of course, is that the root note is now on the A string. Just as with the E shape chord, you can move this shape up and down the fretboard, but the root will always be on the A string. The shape can be found in the fretboard diagram.
To practise this chord, as well as making sure you push down hard and it sounds as clear as possible, we will also move it around the neck. Remember that this chord shape is always a minor chord, but depending on what fret you place it on, you get a different root note. For example, if you put the shape on the 3rd fret you get a C Minor chord. If you put it on the 7th fret, you get an E minor chord, and so on! Here is the chord progression to play:
![Electric Beginners Level 3 [unit 2 - Lesson 1] - Chord Chart](https://assets.yourguitaracademy.com/Electric_Beginners_Level_3_unit_2_Lesson_1_Chord_Chart_5783c4570e.png)
If you are unsure as to where these chords are, then see the fretboard diagrams.
It is very important to have a good understanding of the notes on the neck in order to really be able to use barre chords effectively. For the A shape chord, we only need the A string learnt, but we will learn it back to front! You must know it in sharps as well as flats as you will see both in chord charts.
Our second barre chord song uses the new Am shape as well as the E shape we learnt last time. This is a tricky song to play as it involves arpeggios, dynamics and a lot of barre chord changes! This will really push your skills, so spend some time listening to the song then we will start to learn it next time.
We will start by looking through the verse of the song which consists of arpeggiated barre chord shapes. You will find the chord shapes being used in the fretboard diagrams, followed by the chord chart.
![Everybody Loves [Verse] - Chord Chart](https://assets.yourguitaracademy.com/Everybody_Loves_Verse_Chord_Chart_901a596f42.png)
We will now take a look at the chorus of the song. Although the chords are potentially harder, the rhythm is a lot easier as it is simply all downstrokes. Take a look/ listen to the chords, chord chart and then the tab/audio files.
![Electric Beginners Level 3 [Unit 2 - Lesson 5] Chord Chart](https://assets.yourguitaracademy.com/Electric_Beginners_Level_3_Unit_2_Lesson_5_Chord_Chart_f22b310096.png)
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