The Am7 chord, a staple for guitarists across genres, adds a layer of emotional depth and sophistication to your playing. Often referred to as “A minor 7” or “Amin7”, this chord isn’t simply happy or sad; it exists in a fascinating in-between, creating tension and a bittersweet feeling that can elevate your music. This unique quality stems from its construction: a blend of a minor chord with a 7th interval.
Let’s dive into the world of the Am7 chord, exploring its construction, how to play it in different positions, and its captivating role in popular music.
Understanding the Am7 Chord
If you’re already familiar with the Am chord, learning the Am7 will feel like a natural progression. Think of the Am7 as a refined version of the Am, sharing many similarities but with a crucial twist that dramatically alters its tonal character. Both chords, in standard E tuning, utilize many of the same notes, but a single note difference makes all the difference.
The Am chord is built upon the notes A, E, and B. In contrast, the Am7 chord substitutes the B with a G, resulting in the notes A, E, G, and C. This seemingly small change—swapping the “B” for a “G”—is what gives the Am7 its distinctive, more complex sound.
How to Play the Am7 Chord in Open Position
The most common and easiest way to play the Am7 chord is in the open position. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide:
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Index Finger: Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string (the second thinnest string).
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Middle Finger: Position your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (the third thickest string).
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Strumming: Strum downwards, starting from the A string (the fifth thickest string) and including all the thinner strings. Avoid strumming the thickest E string.
This open position Am7 is a foundational voicing, easy to grasp for beginners and incredibly useful in countless songs.
Exploring the Am7 Barre Chord in the 5th Position
As you progress, you’ll want to explore different voicings of the Am7 chord. One popular and versatile option is the barre chord in the 5th position. This movable shape allows you to play Am7 and other minor 7th chords up and down the guitar neck.
Here’s how to form the Am7 barre chord at the 5th fret:
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Barre with Index Finger: Use your index finger to barre across all six strings at the 5th fret. Ensure each string is pressed down cleanly.
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Ring Finger: Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the A string (the second thickest string).
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Strumming: Strum all six strings downwards, starting from the low E string.
This barre chord voicing of Am7 provides a fuller, richer sound and is essential for playing in various musical contexts.
The Notes Within the Am7 Chord
Despite having no flat notes in its name, the Am7 chord possesses a rich, somewhat melancholic quality. The specific notes that constitute the Am7 chord are:
A, C, E, G
When you play an Am7 chord, you are sounding these four notes together. In the open position Am7 we learned earlier, you are actually playing:
A, E, G, C, E
Notice how the note E is duplicated. This is common in guitar chords and adds to the overall harmonic richness. Remember to omit the low E string when strumming the open position Am7 to maintain the correct voicing.
Am7 Chord in Popular Music: A Genre-Spanning Chord
The Am7 chord’s versatility makes it a favorite among songwriters and guitarists across diverse musical styles. While perhaps not as ubiquitous as chords like E or G, the Am7 adds a distinctive flavor that elevates countless songs. Let’s explore some examples across different genres:
Am7 in Pop Music
Pop music, known for its catchy melodies and emotional resonance, frequently utilizes the Am7 chord to create depth and nuance.
“Holocene” by Bon Iver: This song beautifully showcases the Am7’s ability to convey complex emotions. Bon Iver uses the Am7 to underscore the push and pull between doubt and hope, creating a poignant and introspective atmosphere.
“More Than Words” by Extreme: In this acoustic ballad, Nuno Bettencourt masterfully integrates the Am7 into a chord progression that features percussive strumming. The Am7 contributes to the song’s emotional intensity without sacrificing its tenderness.
“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys: Demonstrating its versatility, the Am7 can also contribute to upbeat and cheerful tunes. The Beach Boys employ the Am7 to add a touch of sophistication to this classic feel-good song.
“Super Fly” by Curtis Mayfield: Moving into funk, Curtis Mayfield utilizes the Am7 to inject a gritty, soulful flavor into “Super Fly.” The chord’s inherent tension adds to the song’s funky groove.
Am7 in Country Music
Country music, with its focus on storytelling and heartfelt emotion, finds a valuable tool in the Am7 chord.
“Crazy” by Patsy Cline: Patsy Cline’s iconic ballad, “Crazy,” perfectly exemplifies the Am7’s mellow and melancholic qualities. The chord enhances the song’s dreamy, vulnerable atmosphere, contributing to its timeless heartbreak.
Am7 in Blues Music
The blues, a genre built on emotion and expression, embraces the Am7 chord for its unique blend of minor tonality and jazzy sophistication.
“I’m In the Mood For Love” by Louis Armstrong: Louis Armstrong’s romantic rendition of this classic positions the Am7 chord in a smooth, sentimental context. It adds a touch of jazz harmony to the bluesy feel.
“Phone Booth” by Robert Cray: Contemporary blues innovator Robert Cray takes the Am7 and infuses it into a modern, groove-heavy blues sound in “Phone Booth.” The chord adds a layer of complexity and sophistication to the song’s rhythmic drive.
Expand Your Guitar Vocabulary with Am7
Learning the Am7 chord is a significant step in expanding your guitar vocabulary and musical expression. It’s a chord that can add depth, emotion, and a touch of sophistication to your playing across various genres. Experiment with incorporating the Am7 into your chord progressions and explore the diverse songs that feature this versatile chord.
To further enhance your guitar skills and chord knowledge, consider exploring resources like Fender Play’s chord library, where you can delve deeper into chord types and techniques. And if you’re ready to take your learning to the next level, sign up for a free Fender Play trial to access a wealth of lessons, songs, and expert guidance.
