A minor scale is natural to C major. This means that the notes in the scale don’t have flats or sharps, and they are C, D, E, F, G, A, B. As a result, it is a perfect starting point along with C major. At least when it comes to theory.
The key is often described as a sound of misery, stress, and sadness. It is one of the most popular options today, and in the majority of cases, you won’t need a capo. Playing in the key of A minor is comfortable and safe on guitar, which is why there are so many great choices.
If you are new to the world of music and theory, the list of songs in A minor can help you understand more about chord progressions and why this key is so popular among musicians. So, let’s start from the beginning.
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Californication
Californication is one of the most famous songs by Red Hot Chili Peppers. It was released in 1999 on the album of the same name, and it was a breath of fresh air when it came out. One of the best things about Californication is that it is beginner-friendly.
If you are a fan of the band, this can be a great starting point regardless of your skill level. The only downside is that the song won’t sound as good without the bass guitar, but you will be able to learn it without any issues.
Metallica – The Unforgiven
The Unforgiven was released on the iconic album called Metallica, but the majority of people know it as the Black Album. It came out in 1991, and it changed the metal scene forever. Unlike the majority of songs before the Black Album, the Unforgiven is a power ballad.
And it is incredible. As you might know already, the song starts with an acoustic guitar, but you can play this fingerpicking pattern on your electric guitar without any issues. Some of the parts can be a bit tricky, which is why the song is ideal for intermediate players.
Pearl Jam – State Of Love And Trust
State of Love and Trust is a song by Pearl Jam, and it was a part of the soundtrack for the movie Singles. The band often played it live, with the most notable performance being MTV Unplugged.
The first thing to know about State of Love and Trust is that it starts with an F major chord, but you will use the open C major shape instead of the traditional barre chord. And this is something that might require a bit of practice if you’ve never played it before.
State Of Love And Trust Guitar Chords
The Cure – Lovesong
Lovesong was released in 1989, it was a part of the Disintegration album, and it’s one of the most popular songs by the Cure. Furthermore, it is one of the best songs of all time according to numerous magazines and critics.
To play the song, you won’t need to struggle a lot. There are a couple of basic chords, and the progression is quite simple. And if you are a beginner, you can always play a shorter version of the F major chord to avoid barre chords.
The Rolling Stones – Miss You
Miss You was released in 1978, and it appeared on the Some Girls album. The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, and it is iconic. Needless to say, the song will sound the best if there are two guitars, but it is still possible to play it on your own.
You can also experiment with different techniques or even combine two guitars into one. It is up to you. When it comes to difficulty, the song can be played by beginners, but it might be more suitable for intermediate players.
Judas Priest – Breaking The Law
Breaking the Law is a song from British Steel, and it is one of the most famous songs by Judas Priest. The song starts with a well-known riff, and it is a nice way to improve your skills even if you are not familiar with the song.
Naturally, you will need a lot of practice to learn every single part of the song. After all, the police sirens you can hear in the song are still notes on the guitar played by K. K. Downing. Breaking the Law is one of the biggest heavy metal songs of all time, and now is the perfect moment to learn it.
Breaking The Law Guitar Chords
Radiohead – Street Spirit (Fade Out)
This is an interesting option if you want to practice fingerpicking or playing individual notes with a guitar pick. Street Spirit (Fade Out) is a song by Radiohead, and it was released on The Bends in 1996.
The intro repeats throughout the majority of the song, but it sounds so good. It might be a bit tricky for beginners to play it perfectly and on time, but it isn’t anything a bit of practice can’t solve.
Street Spirit (Fade Out) Guitar Chords
Ozzy Osbourne – Bark At The Moon
If you are looking to challenge yourself and your guitar skills, Bark at the Moon is one of the hardest songs on the list. It was written by Ozzy Osbourne and Jake E. Lee, and it can be difficult regardless of your skill level.
The song is fast, filled with riffs and beautiful solos, and it requires a bit of stretching. But don’t be discouraged. You can learn how to play it if you focus and dedicate time to learning it. While it won’t be easy, it is worth your time.
Bark At The Moon Guitar Chords
Audioslave – I Am The Highway
If you are a fan of Chris Cornell, you probably listened to Audioslave. The album from 2003 called Audioslave brought plenty of incredible songs, and I Am the Highway is just one of them. The song was also released as a third single, and Cornell often played it live.
Playing the song is not too challenging. Even though we have Tom Morello on the guitar, it is a bit slower and calmer compared to the rest of the tracks on the album. You won’t need to change the tuning or use a capo, and it is so much fun to play.
I Am The Highway Guitar Chords
Blue Öyster Cult – Burnin’ For You
Burnin’ for You is a single from Fire of Unknown Origin, and it came out in 1981. The song became an instant hit, and it is incredible. It was written by Buck Dharma and Richard Meltzer, and it is great for different skill levels.
It is worth mentioning that the song is played with power chords, and you won’t need to worry about barre versions. This will simplify the entire process and make it great for beginners too. As for the solo, you will need a lot of practice if you want to learn how to play it.
Gary Moore – All Your Love (I Miss Loving)
All Your Love (I Miss Loving) is a song by Otis Rush, and it is a blues standard. Over the years, many players recorded their own versions. Among the most notable versions are ones by John Mayal and the Bluesbreakers and Gary Moore.
The main difference between Gary Moore’s version and others is that Moore plays it a bit heavier and faster. The basic idea behind it is still the same, and you will play the same three chords since it’s the standard blues.
All Your Love (I Miss Loving) Guitar Chords
Alien Ant Farm – Smooth Criminal
The original version of Smooth Criminal was written by Michael Jackson, and the Alien Ant Farm cover was released in 2001. This version is quite heavier since it’s a rock/metal song, and it includes a lot of riffs.
As a result, it is suitable even for beginners since you won’t need to deal with barre chords. One thing you can do to simplify the process even further is to play it in the drop D tuning, but it is not necessary if you don’t want to.
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – Mary Jane’s Last Dance
Mary Jane’s Last Dance was written by Tom Petty, and it was released in 1993 on Greatest Hits. Over the years people discussed whether the song was about drugs, love, or something else. But in reality, it is not relevant.
The only thing that matters is that it’s one of the greatest songs of the nineties, and it’s quite easy to play. The intro repeats throughout the song, and it includes just a couple of chords. It is beginner-friendly, and a great option to improve your skills.
Mary Jane’s Last Dance Guitar Chords
Billie Eilish – Listen Before I Go
Listen Before I Go is a song from When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? and it was released in 2019. The original version of the song is played on a piano, but you can easily play it on guitar as well.
Since Listen Before I Go is in A minor, you won’t need a capo, and you can stick to basic chords. While adding seventh chords and maj7 variations can improve the quality, it is not necessary for beginners.
Listen Before I Go Guitar Chords
The Weeknd – Can’t Feel My Face
Can’t Feel My Face is a song by The Weeknd, and it came out in 2015. The song is a part of his second album Beauty Behind the Madness. It wasn’t long before Can’t Feel My Face was the number-one song worldwide.
What is great about this tune is that it’s quite simple to play. It is one of the easiest songs on the list, and a definition of beginner-friendly. There are only three chords you will need to learn, and the progression is not too fast or challenging.
Can’t Feel My Face Guitar Chords
Lady Gaga – Bad Romance
Bad Romance appeared on Lady Gaga’s third EP called The Fame Monster. This was the re-issue of her debut album The Fame, but it had a few new tracks. Bad Romance is one of her most popular songs, and it is such a beautiful, yet simple chord progression.
You don’t need a capo, you don’t need to spend days practicing, and it will sound so good. Naturally, you will need to tackle a few barre chords, but it is still a beginner-friendly song you can learn in no time.
Dua Lipa And Calvin Harris – One Kiss
One Kiss is a song from 2018, and it was released as a standalone single. The song was written by Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa, and Jessie Reyez, and it is a mixture of dance-pop and tropical house. Keep in mind that the original version is not played on guitar, so there is plenty of space for you to experiment with the song.
The song became an instant hit, and it’s quite easy to play. The first thing you will do is put a capo on the fifth fret, making the open E minor shape A minor. This will simplify the process, but it is not necessary. You can still play a song without a capo if you want.
Bon Jovi – Runaway
Runaway is a song from the Bon Jovi album, it was released in 1984, and it was the debut single by the band. Thanks to the success of the song, the first lineup for the band was formed since the song was recorded by musicians who just joined for the track.
Today, Runaway is a rock classic and one of the most famous songs by Bon Jovi. The song itself is not too difficult to play, and it includes a lot of power chords making it great for beginners.
Bill Withers – Ain’t No Sunshine
Ain’t No Sunshine was written by Bill Withers, and it came out in 1971. While there have been numerous covers over the years, the version by Bill Withers is the original one. This is a powerful song that is a mixture of soul, R&B, and blues, and it sounds amazing.
There are two ways to approach the song. You can go for the simpler version with major and minor chords or for the one with seventh chords if you are more comfortable with them. Either way, the song shouldn’t be too difficult.
Ain’t No Sunshine Guitar Chords
The Animals – House Of The Rising Sun
While many people believe that House of the Rising Sun was first recorded by The Animals, the original version is a bit older. It is a traditional folk song, and the oldest recording is from 1933 titled “Rising Sun Blues.”
The version by The Animals came out in 1964, and it introduced the song to a wider audience. It quickly became a hit in both the U.S. and England, and it was the first hit song from Britain that wasn’t connected to the Beatles.
House Of The Rising Sun Guitar Chords
Foo Fighters – The Pretender
The Pretender is a song from Echos, Silence, Patience & Grace, and it was released in 2007. It wasn’t long before The Pretender was on all charts, and it became one of the most popular songs by Foo Fighters.
While it is not the easiest song on the list, it is still something you will be able to learn with enough practice. The song includes a couple of interesting moments that will challenge all beginners, and it will be worth your time.
Johnny Cash – Hurt
Hurt is a song by Nine Inch Nails, and the original version was released in 1995. However, many people are more familiar with the cover by Johnny Cash that came out almost a decade later.
The version by Cash is simpler and toned down, and it features only vocals and acoustic guitar. Not only was this named one of the best songs by Johnny Cash, but it also became one of the best songs of all time.
The Police – Driven To Tears
Driven to Tears was written by Sting, and it was recorded by The Police in 1980. The song became rather popular even though it was never released as a single. It was also the first politically themed song Sting wrote.
Playing it can be a bit tricky for beginners, but it is not as challenging as some other songs by The Police. The song is in the key of A minor, and the majority of chords are sevenths. So, it will probably require a bit of practice.
The Beatles – While My Guitar Gently Weeps
While My Guitar Gently Weeps is a song from the Beatles album, which is commonly known as The White Album. It was released in 1968, and the song was written by George Harrison. Even though it’s one of the best songs by the Beatles, the band wasn’t too enthusiastic to record it.
To persuade the band, Harrison called Eric Clapton to record guitar for the song. Even though you won’t see it on the credits, Clapton played the solos on the album version of the song. While My Guitar Gently Weeps is a bit different from what you’d expect from the Beatles, and it is among the best songs of all time.
While My Guitar Gently Weeps Guitar Chords
Counting Crows – Mr. Jones
Mr. Jones is a song by Counting Crows, and it was released as a debut single in 1993. The song later appeared on August and Everything After. Many people believe that the title is a reference to Bob Dylan’s Ballad of a Thin Man, but Adam Duritz, the singer, explained how the song was about him and his friend Marty Jones.
The song is quite fun to play, and it isn’t too challenging. You can play it even if you are a beginner, but there are a few faster chord changes. Additionally, there are also a few barre chords, which might require a bit of practice.
Porcupine Tree – Trains
In Absentia was released in 2005, and it was the seventh album by Porcupine Tree. The record brought plenty of incredible songs, and Trains is one of the best ones on the list. One of the first things to do to play this song is to place a capo on the fifth fret.
This is crucial for the intro to the song, and it would be quite difficult to play it without it. It also has a few quick chord changes, and beginners might find it too challenging. The song is perfect for intermediate players.
Eagle-Eye Cherry – Save Tonight
Eagle-Eye Cherry is a Swedish rock musician, and Save Tonight is among his most famous songs. The song was a lead single from Desireless, and it came out in 1997. The progression and chords in the song are quite simple.
The main challenge will be to nail the rhythm and be able to seamlessly switch chords. Since Save Tonight includes F major, C major, and G major, it might be challenging for some players to play it without any issues.
Taylor Swift – My Tears Ricochet
My Tears Ricochet appeared on Taylor Swift’s eighth album called Folklore, which came out in 2020. The progression and the song are quite interesting. The intro starts with a C major chord, but the key is still in A minor.
You won’t need a capo, the tempo is slow, and it shouldn’t be any problem even if you are a beginner. It is worth noting that there are a few barre chords, but you can always play the shorter version of the F major barre.
My Tears Ricochet Guitar Chords
Dio – Rainbow In The Dark
Rainbow in the Dark is a song by Dio, and it’s from the album called Holy Diver. The song is a classic when it comes to heavy metal, and it is one of many incredible tunes by the legendary Dio.
It was released in 1983, and it became an instant hit. Even though this was the debut album by the band, people were already familiar with Ronnie James Dio thanks to Rainbow and Black Sabbath.
Rainbow In The Dark Guitar Chords
Chris Rea – The Road To Hell
The Road to Hell is a song by Chris Rea, it came out in 1989, and it appeared on the album of the same name. This song has two parts, and the majority of people are familiar with The Road to Hell Part 2.
The first part of the song is a lot slower, with synthesizers in the background, and the primary focus is on lyrics and vocals. However, you can still hear the guitar with a slide played over it. You can learn how to play the entire song without any issues since both parts are in the key of A minor.
The Road To Hell Guitar Chords
Conclusion
Playing in the key of A minor is something many players prefer. It is a starting point for music theory and minor scales, and there are no sharps or flats in the scale at all. This means that A minor is a natural scale to C major, which is where the majority of players start.
Furthermore, the solos in the A minor key can be played using the A minor pentatonic scale, and the key feels quite comfortable from the technical point of view. As for the overall feel of the key, A minor is depressing and it’s usually used to express sadness or misery.
Since the key is so comfortable for playing and singing, there are so many different songs you can find regardless of the genre you like. And if you are interested in broadening your repertoire, you can follow the songs on the list.
It is also possible to see a song played in the key of A minor with a capo on the fifth fret, but it is not as common since you can easily play the open A minor chord without it. In some cases, it is a good idea, but it is something you will rarely encounter.
Some of these songs are great for beginners, but there are also those that will prove to be quite a challenge. As always, the main thing you need to do is play and continue practicing. Even though it might seem too difficult, you can learn to play any of these songs if you are dedicated enough.
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