The A Minor 7 Guitar chord, often written as Am7, is a sonically rich and versatile chord that adds a layer of emotional complexity to your guitar playing. It possesses a unique quality, often described as bittersweet, that stems from its inherent blend of minor and dominant characteristics. Unlike a simple major or minor chord, the Am7 introduces a 7th interval, creating a more nuanced and sophisticated sound.
This chord is neither purely happy nor definitively sad; instead, it evokes a sense of longing, introspection, or gentle melancholy. This ambiguity is precisely what makes the Am7 so compelling and widely used across diverse musical genres. Let’s delve deeper into understanding the Am7 chord, explore different ways to play it on the guitar, and discover how to effectively incorporate it into your music.
Mastering the Open Position Am7 Chord
If you’re already familiar with the basic A minor chord, transitioning to the Am7 will feel like a natural progression. In fact, many guitarists find the Am7 in its open position to be slightly easier to play than the standard Am chord. This is because the Am7 essentially simplifies the Am shape by lifting one finger, while simultaneously adding a richer harmonic texture.
The core difference between the Am and Am7 lies in a single note, yet this alteration dramatically impacts the chord’s tonal color. The Am chord typically comprises the notes A, E, and C, often played with an additional E and A for fullness in open position. The Am7 chord, however, replaces one of these notes to introduce the 7th interval.
To form the open position Am7 chord:
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (3rd string).
Leave the A string (5th string), G string (4th string), high E string (1st string), and low E string (6th string) open.
Strum downwards across five strings, starting from the A string. Avoid strumming the low E string (6th string) for this voicing to get the pure Am7 sound.
This open position Am7 is a foundational voicing, easy to grasp for beginners and incredibly useful in countless songs.
Exploring the Barre Chord Am7 in the 5th Position
As you advance your guitar skills, you’ll discover various ways to play the same chord in different positions along the neck. The Am7 chord is no exception. Another common and valuable voicing is the barre chord Am7 in the 5th position. This voicing provides a different tonal quality and can be useful for smoother transitions in certain chord progressions, especially when moving between chords higher up the neck.
To play the Am7 as a barre chord in the 5th position:
- Use your index finger to barre across all six strings at the 5th fret. Ensure you are pressing down firmly enough for all strings to ring out clearly.
- Keep your index finger barring the 5th fret on the D string (4th string), G string (3rd string), B string (2nd string), and high E string (1st string).
- Use your ring finger to fret the 7th fret of the A string (5th string).
Strum all six strings downwards from the low E string. This barre chord voicing produces a fuller, more resonant Am7 sound, suitable for different musical contexts.
Unpacking the Notes within the Am7 Chord
Understanding the notes that constitute a chord helps in grasping its sonic character and its relationship to other chords. The Am7 chord, despite having “minor” in its name, doesn’t contain any flat notes in its basic construction within the key of C major. Yet, the combination of these notes creates its signature melancholic yet intriguing sound.
The notes that make up the A Minor 7 chord are:
A, C, E, G
- A is the root of the chord, defining its fundamental tonality.
- C is the minor third interval from the root (A), contributing to the minor character of the chord.
- E is the perfect fifth interval from the root (A), providing stability to the chord.
- G is the minor seventh interval from the root (A). This 7th interval is crucial, adding the characteristic “jazzy” or “bluesy” flavor and the emotional depth that distinguishes the Am7 from a simple Am chord.
When you play the open position Am7, you are essentially playing these notes across different octaves on the guitar: A, E, G, C, E. Notice how all the essential notes of the Am7 chord are present within the open position fingering.
Am7 Chord in the Landscape of Music
The Am7 chord is a workhorse in music composition, finding its place across genres and styles. Its versatility allows it to evoke a range of emotions, from subtle introspection to soulful yearning. Let’s explore some examples of how the Am7 chord is employed in popular music:
Pop Sensibilities
In pop music, the Am7 often adds a touch of sophistication and emotional depth. Bon Iver’s “Holocene” masterfully uses the Am7 to underscore the song’s themes of vulnerability and hope amidst uncertainty. Similarly, Extreme’s acoustic ballad “More Than Words” incorporates the Am7 in its chord progression, lending a gentle, poignant quality to the romantic lyrics. Even in upbeat pop, like The Beach Boys’ “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” the Am7 can contribute to a sense of wistful optimism. For a different flavor, Curtis Mayfield’s funk classic “Super Fly” demonstrates how the Am7 can inject a cool, gritty funk vibe into a song.
Country Roads
Country music, with its emphasis on storytelling and emotion, also embraces the Am7. Patsy Cline’s iconic ballad “Crazy” beautifully showcases the Am7’s ability to enhance melancholic heartbreak. The chord’s mellow and slightly dreamy quality perfectly complements the song’s themes of lost love and vulnerability.
Blues Inflections
The blues genre naturally gravitates towards seventh chords, and the Am7 is no exception. Louis Armstrong’s timeless rendition of “I’m In the Mood For Love” uses the Am7 to create a romantic and intimate atmosphere, highlighting the chord’s softer, more tender side. Conversely, Robert Cray, a modern blues innovator, utilizes the Am7 in “Phone Booth” to build a more contemporary, groove-oriented blues sound, demonstrating the chord’s adaptability within the genre.
Elevate Your Guitar Playing with the Am7 Chord
Adding the Am7 chord to your guitar vocabulary unlocks a new dimension of emotional expression in your playing. Whether you’re composing your own songs, learning covers, or improvising, the Am7 provides a valuable tool for adding depth and sophistication to your music. Experiment with incorporating the Am7 into your chord progressions, and train your ear to recognize its distinctive sound in your favorite songs.
To further expand your chord knowledge and guitar skills, consider exploring resources like Fender Play’s chord library and their lessons on chord types and techniques. And if you’re ready to embark on a structured guitar learning journey, sign up for a free Fender Play trial to access a wealth of lessons, song tutorials, and expert guidance.
