Three Chords Am, Dm, E7: A Simple Progression for Songs
Am, Dm and E7 is one of the most convenient progressions for a beginner: three chords of one key that follow each other naturally. Below is how to play them, how to change and which strumming to use.
Why these three chords
This is the key of A minor. Am is the home chord you want to return to, Dm sounds like a step aside, and E7 creates tension and asks to go back to Am. Many simple songs are built on this progression, and it is enough to learn to play coherently.
Listen to the progression
Press Play the progression: the chords change one after another, Am, Dm, E7 and Am again. Tap a diagram to hear a single chord and see the finger placement.
How to change chords
Practise the pairs separately, not the whole progression at once:
- First Am and Dm, then Dm and E7, then E7 and Am.
- Put the next chord on the last beat of the previous bar.
- Start at 50-60 beats per minute and four beats per chord.
- Every string must ring: check the finger placement before speeding up.
A chord change trainer
The trainer counts the beats and shows which chord is now and which is next. Start with Am and Dm, then swap the pair and repeat.
Which strumming to use
An even eighth-note strum or the six pattern suits this progression: six and eight strumming patterns. If changes are hard, read how to change chords faster and how to practise guitar chords.
Try it in practice
Open chord trainer