The Am7 chord, also known as the A minor 7th, is a captivating chord on the guitar, known for its ability to evoke a sense of emotional complexity in music. It’s neither purely happy nor sad, but rather carries a bittersweet quality that adds depth and intrigue to songs across genres. This unique character stems from its construction as a seventh chord built upon a minor foundation, lending a distinctive flavor to any guitarist’s repertoire. Let’s delve into the world of the Am7 guitar chord and discover how to play it and where you can use it to enrich your music.
Understanding the Am7 Chord
Before diving into playing the Am7, it’s helpful to understand what makes it special. If you’re already familiar with the basic A minor chord, you’re already halfway there! Think of the Am7 as a close cousin, offering a slightly more sophisticated and nuanced sound. Seventh chords, in general, are known for their added harmonic richness compared to basic triads. In the case of the Am7 guitar chord, this richness comes from adding the ‘7th’ interval to the standard A minor chord.
The Am chord is composed of the notes A, C, and E. To create the Am7, we add the 7th note of the A minor scale, which is G. Therefore, the notes that make up the Am7 chord are:
A, C, E, G
Notice that even though it’s a minor chord, and often associated with sadder sounds, the presence of the 7th interval creates that aforementioned tension and bittersweet feeling. This makes the Am7 incredibly versatile, fitting into various musical contexts where you want to add a touch of emotional depth without leaning too heavily into major or minor tonalities.
How to Play the Am7 Chord in Open Position
One of the most common and easiest ways to play the Am7 chord is in the open position. This is particularly accessible for beginner guitarists as it only requires two fingers and utilizes open strings. If you already know how to play an open Am chord, transitioning to Am7 will be a breeze.
Here’s how to finger the open position Am7 chord:
- Index Finger: Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string (2nd string from the thinnest).
- Middle Finger: Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string from the thinnest).
- Strumming: Strum five strings downwards, starting from the A string (5th string from the thinnest). Avoid strumming the low E string (6th string).
Let’s break it down visually:
- Index finger: 1st fret of the B (2nd) string
- Middle finger: 2nd fret of the D (4th) string
- Strings to strum: A, D, G, B, high E (5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st)
This open position Am7 is a beautiful voicing of the chord and is perfect for fingerpicking or strumming in folk, pop, and many other styles.
Alt text: Am7 open chord diagram showing finger placement on the first and second frets of the B and D strings respectively.
Playing the Am7 Chord as a Barre Chord
For more advanced players, or when you need to play the Am7 chord in different positions up the neck, the barre chord shape is invaluable. You can play the Am7 chord as a barre chord in various positions, but the 5th position is a common and useful one.
Here’s how to play the Am7 barre chord in the 5th position:
- Barre with Index Finger: Barre your index finger across all six strings at the 5th fret. Ensure all strings are pressed down cleanly.
- Ring Finger: Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the A string (5th string).
- Strumming: Strum all six strings downwards from the low E string.
Visual breakdown:
- Index finger: Barre across all 6 strings at the 5th fret
- Ring Finger: 7th fret of the A (5th) string
- Strings to strum: All six strings (E, A, D, G, B, high E)
This barre chord shape is movable, meaning you can slide it up and down the neck to play different minor 7th chords. For example, moving this shape up two frets would give you a Bm7 chord. Mastering barre chords expands your ability to play Guitar Chords A Minor 7 and many others across the fretboard.
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.
Am7 Chord in Songs Across Genres
The Am7 chord’s versatility truly shines when you hear it in the context of actual music. It’s a favorite among songwriters and composers for its ability to add emotional nuance. You’ll find the Am7 chord gracing songs in pop, country, blues, and beyond.
Pop Sensibilities
In pop music, the Am7 can add a layer of sophistication and emotional depth. Take “Holocene” by Bon Iver, where the Am7 subtly underscores the song’s introspective and melancholic mood.
For a different application, listen to “More Than Words” by Extreme. Guitarist Nuno Bettencourt beautifully incorporates the Am7 into a chord progression, showcasing its ability to blend seamlessly with percussive acoustic strumming, adding texture and emotion to the ballad.
The Am7 isn’t always about melancholy; it can also contribute to upbeat tunes. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys uses the Am7 to create a cheerful, yet harmonically rich sound. Conversely, for a funkier vibe, “Super Fly” by Curtis Mayfield leverages the Am7 to inject a dose of gritty, soulful flavor.
Country Heartbreak
Country music, often known for its emotional storytelling, finds a valuable ally in the Am7 chord. Patsy Cline’s timeless classic, “Crazy”, is a perfect example. The Am7 contributes to the song’s dreamy, vulnerable atmosphere, enhancing the feeling of mellow heartbreak that Cline so masterfully conveyed.
Bluesy Moods
In the blues realm, the Am7 can take on different personalities. Louis Armstrong’s romantic rendition of “I’m In the Mood For Love” places the Am7 in a smooth, jazzy, and undeniably romantic context.
On the other hand, contemporary blues innovator Robert Cray, in his song “Phone Booth,” uses the Am7 to create a sexy, groove-heavy blues sound. This demonstrates how the same chord can evoke vastly different moods depending on the musical arrangement and style.
Adding the Am7 to Your Guitar Vocabulary
Learning the Am7 guitar chord is a fantastic step towards expanding your musical palette. It’s a chord that adds sophistication and emotional depth to your playing, whether you’re strumming pop songs, fingerpicking folk tunes, or exploring bluesy riffs. By understanding how to play the Am7 in both open and barre positions, you unlock a versatile tool for your guitar playing journey.
Start experimenting with the Am7 chord in your own playing and songwriting. You’ll be surprised at how this single chord can transform your music and add that special touch of bittersweet emotion.
To further expand your chord knowledge and guitar skills, explore Fender Play’s chord library and discover a wealth of lessons and tips. If you’re ready to take your playing to the next level, sign up for a free trial of Fender Play today!
