Part 1:

  In order to successfully carry out Am, one must make sure everything is tuned properly. Specifically speaking: E, A, D, G, B, E need to be tuned using the machine heads on the headstock. Of course, there will not always be intonation and not everyone has perfect pitch, but tuning by ear can be quicker and easier than tuning using various devices. Progressions should be used if you do not have the layout memorized to help you understand how to have the correct position on the fretboard. For Am, your first needs to be on the first fret of the second string, your second needs to be on the second fret of the fourth string, and your third should be on the second fret of the third string. Make sure that there is as low action as possible. Instead of pulling off, use a pick to strum Am properly with a downward motion!

Part 2:

   In order to successfully play the chord Am (A minor) on an acoustic guitar, the very first step is to make sure your guitar is tuned properly. An acoustic guitar has six strings called the E, A, D, G, B, E strings. Each of these strings is supposed to sound a specific way before starting to play, and fixing it so they make the correct sound is called tuning. Tuning is the process of making sure that when you play each string they are in the correct pitch (position). Start tuning using the tuning keys located at the end of your guitar. They can be identified as round nobs that tighten or loosen the strings. The easiest was the tune is to use a tuner online that tells you if you need tighten or loosen the string in order for it to sound the closest to its intended tune. Do this for all six strings.

   Next, you would want to make sure you position the guitar on your lap with your right hand on the fretboard (the massive space with various lines and  the strings where you will place your fingers), and your left hung over the body of the guitar with a pick (triangle shaped plastic object used to strum the strings in order to play chords). The fretboard is labelled with different frets, and the fret closest to the tuning keys is the first fret. 

   Learning music theory will help you identify chords on your own but for beginners it is usually easier to look at a diagram called a progression that will show you the placement of your fingers in order to play a chord properly. To recap, the strings are the long wires that can be tuned, and the fretboard is the longest part of the guitar with the strings and different boxed markings indicating the various frets (fret one is closest to the tuning keys). In order to play our specific chord, Am, look at the diagram and place your index finger on the second string of the first fret, your middle finger on the fourth string of the second fret, and your ring finger directly bellow your middle finger on the third string of the second fret. Casually rest your thumb on the back of the fretboard. Slowly use your left hand to play all the strings from top to bottom in a swift motion. You will need some practice to play the chord properly, but once you are able to play the sound of Am accordingly when you can hear all the strings and they are not making a buzzing sound (which indicated you are not holding the strings properly. Happy playing!