We explore the three minor chords that complete your fundamental chord knowledge - E minor, A minor, and D minor. These "cowboy chords" are the building blocks underlying all your favourite songs, and I'll explain why they're not just for sad music.
How to play E minor using two fingers and why I recommend the first two fingers
A minor chord formation - same shape as E major but moved down one string
D minor stretch technique and finger positioning for clean sound
The musical theory behind major vs minor - which note changes to create the "sad" sound
Song applications: "Ain't No Sunshine," "Levitating," and "505" by Arctic Monkeys
Watch how lifting just one finger transforms E major into E minor, and discover why that third string must ring out clearly. The key is understanding that minor chords give you emotional expression - they're the other end of the spectrum from happy major chords.
Em
Am
Dm
Song examples;
Ain’t No Sunshine
Dua Lipa - Levitating
Arctic Monkeys 505
Minor Chord Options