The Am7 chord, or A minor 7, is a versatile and emotionally rich chord that adds depth and complexity to your guitar playing. Often described as bittersweet, it carries a unique tension that sets it apart from simple major or minor chords. If you’re looking to expand your musical palette and infuse your songs with nuanced emotion, the Am7 is an essential chord to learn.
This guide will delve into the Am7 chord, exploring its construction, various ways to play it on guitar, and its application across different musical genres. Whether you’re a beginner guitarist or looking to refine your chord vocabulary, understanding the Am7 will undoubtedly enrich your playing.
Getting Started with the Open Position Am7 Chord
If you’re already familiar with the basic Am chord, learning the Am7 will be a breeze. Think of the Am7 as a close cousin to the Am, simplifying the standard minor chord while introducing a subtle yet significant sonic twist. Both chords share many of the same notes and are typically played in Standard Open E tuning, with one key difference that defines the Am7’s character.
The Am chord is built using the notes A, E, B, C, and E. The Am7 chord, however, subtly shifts this structure to A, E, G, C, and E. The crucial change is the replacement of the “B” note in the Am chord with an open “G” note in the Am7. This single note alteration imparts the distinctive minor 7th flavor, creating that characteristic bittersweet quality.
To form the Am7 chord in its open position, follow these simple steps:
- Index Finger: Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string (the 2nd thinnest string).
- Middle Finger: Position your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (the 3rd thickest string).
Image alt text: Am7 open chord diagram showing index finger on the first fret of the B string and middle finger on the second fret of the D string.
Once your fingers are in position, strum downwards across five strings, starting from the A string (the 5th thickest string). Avoid strumming the low E string (the thickest string) for this open position voicing.
Exploring the Barre Chord Am7 in the 5th Position
For a different voicing and to navigate the fretboard, the Am7 chord can also be played as a barre chord in the 5th position. This technique offers a fuller sound and allows for smooth transitions to other chords up the neck.
To play the Am7 barre chord in the 5th position:
- Index Finger Barre: Barre your index finger across all six strings at the 5th fret. Ensure all strings are pressed down cleanly to avoid buzzing.
- Ring Finger: Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the A string (the 5th thickest string).
Image alt text: Am7 barre chord diagram in the 5th position, showing index finger barring the 5th fret and ring finger on the 7th fret of the A string.
Strum all six strings downwards, starting from the low E string (the thickest string). This barre chord voicing provides a richer, more resonant Am7 sound compared to the open position.
Decoding the Notes within the Open Position Am7 Chord
Despite having no flat notes in its name, the Am7 chord achieves its melancholic yet intriguing sound through a blend of specific notes. The A Minor 7 chord in open position is composed of the following notes:
A, C, E, G
When you strum the Am7 chord in open position (excluding the low E string), you are playing these notes in various octaves, creating the chord’s characteristic harmony. Understanding the notes within a chord helps in recognizing its sound and how it interacts with other chords in a progression.
Am7 Chord in Popular Music: A Versatile Chord Across Genres
The Am7 chord’s versatility shines through its presence in a wide array of musical genres. Its ability to evoke both melancholy and a touch of hope makes it a favorite among songwriters and composers seeking emotional depth.
Am7 in Pop Music
Pop music frequently utilizes the Am7 to add sophistication and emotional complexity to otherwise upbeat or catchy tunes.
In “Holocene” by Bon Iver, the Am7 chord underscores the song’s introspective and emotionally charged atmosphere, perfectly capturing the push and pull between doubt and optimism.
“More Than Words” by Extreme, the acoustic ballad, showcases guitarist Nuno Bettencourt expertly weaving the Am7 into a chord progression that incorporates percussive strumming. This technique, tapping the guitar body while strumming, creates a rhythmic backdrop without relying on drums, highlighting the Am7’s subtle emotional impact.
Even in cheerful pop anthems like “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys, the Am7 chord adds a layer of harmonic interest and prevents the song from sounding overly simplistic. Conversely, in funkier tracks like “Super Fly” by Curtis Mayfield, the Am7 contributes a cool, gritty edge, demonstrating its adaptability across diverse pop styles.
Am7 in Country Music
The distinctive sound of country music, often characterized by heartfelt storytelling and emotional vulnerability, also finds a valuable tool in the Am7 chord.
Patsy Cline, a country music legend, built her signature sound on emotive vocals and arrangements. Her timeless hit, “Crazy”, famously recorded in a single take, exemplifies this. The Am7 chord in “Crazy” enhances the song’s gentle heartbreak, contributing to its dreamy and vulnerable atmosphere.
Am7 in Blues Music
The blues, with its roots in raw emotion and soulful expression, embraces the Am7 chord for both its romantic and gritty potential.
Louis Armstrong’s iconic rendition of “I’m In the Mood For Love” beautifully demonstrates the Am7’s romantic side, positioning it within a classic, sentimental context.
On the other hand, contemporary blues innovator Robert Cray utilizes the Am7 in a different light in “Phone Booth.” Here, the Am7 is injected into a driving, beat-heavy groove, showcasing its capacity to add a touch of sophistication and bluesy coolness to a more modern sound.
Expanding your chord vocabulary to include the Am7 opens up new avenues for emotional expression in your guitar playing. Experiment with incorporating the Am7 into your songs and chord progressions to discover its unique sonic character. To further enhance your guitar skills, explore Fender Play’s extensive chord library and consider signing up for a free Fender Play trial to unlock a wealth of lessons, tips, and song tutorials.
