How do I learn guitar chords? Like an Am at the first fret looks different than one at the eighth fret?

Question

How do I learn guitar chords? Like an Am at the first fret looks different than one at the eighth fret?

Answer 1

all chords can be moved.. once you learn the shape

Answer 2

The Am at the first fret (including open A and E strings) takes it's root note from the A string. This is a standard chord shape and if you move it up one fret and use a 'barre' finger it becomes Bbm, another fret it's Bm etc.

The Am at the eighth fret will use the 'open' Dm chord shape which takes its name from the B string.

Get a good book of chord shapes or something like the 'guitar for dummies' book. Most good learning books include a CD nowadays to make learning easier.

Answer 3

Stick with learning all the combinations on the first 5 frets, then go from there.  If you can learn how to play a Full F chord, you will not have a problem playing an Am on the 8th fret, along with many other chords.

http://www.8notes.com/guitar_chord_chart...