A Minor Triad

Chord Tones: A Minor Triad

Symbol: m, min, - — Formula: 1-♭3-5

Chord Notation

Roman numeral (e.g. I, IV, V) and Nashville Number notation are key-dependent. See Keys pages for chord function within specific keys.

Inversions

Harmonic Function

The A minor chord commonly functions as the submediant (vi) in C major or dominant (V) in D major. Its harmonic role varies by key — in major keys it provides subdominant or supertonic color.

The minor triad has a dark, introspective sound created by the flat third degree. It is the foundation of minor key harmony and widely used across all genres of music. The A Minor Triad specifically contains 3 notes: A, C, E (formula: 1-♭3-5). On guitar, A-rooted chords anchor to the open A string (5th string), and barre chord shapes rooted on A form the basis of the "A-shape" CAGED system. Blues, rock, and country music use A-rooted chords extensively — the classic 12-bar blues often starts on A, and many rock power chord riffs center on the open A string.

Common Progressions

The A Minor Triad frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):

• i-iv-v-i
• ii-V-I

Songs Featuring the Minor Triad

Well-known songs where the A Minor Triad — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:

• Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin
• Nothing Else Matters – Metallica
• Losing My Religion – R.E.M.

Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments

Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.

Scales Containing the A Minor Triad

These scales include the A Minor Triad as a diatonic or characteristic chord: