Chord "Deux" Jour Challenge: Am and C

I want you to learn two chords every day, until the last day of the season (December 20). If you've missed a day or two, please refer to this list. You have your choice between the guitar and the piano (keyboard), or both. If you're a beginner, I'll show you relatively simple ways to play each chord. If you're more advanced, you'll have the entire fretboard and/or keyboard to explore.

Today's first chord is A minor (Am):

For guitarists, leave the A string open (o). Place your index finger behind the 1st fret on the B string (1), your middle finger behind the 2nd fret on the D string (2), and your ring finger behind the 2nd fret on the G string (3). Leave the high E open. Strum from the A string to the high E string.

For keyboardists, the A, C, and E notes create a complete Am chord. Use the fingers that feel most comfortable. Usually, it's going to be your thumb, middle, and little fingers, for either hand, but the index and ring fingers might work for you.

The second chord of the day is C major (C):

For guitarists, place your index finger behind the 1st fret on the B string (1), your middle finger behind the 2nd fret of the D string (2), and your ring finger behind the 3rd fret on the A string (3). Leave the G string and the high E string open (o). Strum from the A string to the high E string.

For keyboardists, the C, E, and G notes create a complete C chord. Use the fingers that feel most comfortable. Usually, it's going to be your thumb, middle, and little fingers, for either hand, but the index and ring fingers might work for you.

There's more than one way to play a chord, on both the fretboard and the keyboard. I don't want to overwhelm you, if you're a beginner, but the chord maps above have more positions to play the same chord. Just keep that in mind, as we move forward. Cheers!