The A minor 7 chord (often written as Am7) is a staple for guitarists looking to add depth and a touch of melancholy to their playing. It’s a chord that resonates with both tension and beauty, making it incredibly versatile across genres. Think of it as a more sophisticated cousin to the standard A minor chord, adding a layer of complexity that can truly elevate your music.
In essence, the Am7 chord sits in that sweet spot between major and minor, neither overtly happy nor definitively sad. This unique quality stems from its construction: it’s built upon a minor triad with an added 7th interval, creating a rich, bittersweet sonic landscape. Let’s dive into understanding, playing, and mastering the Am7 chord on your guitar.
Getting Your Fingers on the Am7 Chord: Open Position
If you’re already familiar with the basic A minor chord, learning Am7 in the open position will feel like a natural progression. In fact, many guitarists find the Am7 easier to play than the standard Am! The Am7 can be seen as a simplified version of Am with a subtle yet impactful twist. Both chords are played in standard open E tuning and share many of the same notes, with one key difference.
The A minor chord typically uses the notes A, E, B, C, and E. The Am7 chord, however, replaces the B note with a G, resulting in the notes A, E, G, C, and E. This simple note change – swapping the “B” for an open “G” – is what gives the Am7 its distinctive character.
To form the open position Am7 chord:
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string (the 2nd string from the thinnest).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (the 3rd string from the thickest).
It’s that simple!
Now, strum downwards across five strings, starting from the A string (the 5th string). Avoid strumming the low E string (6th string) for this voicing.
Exploring the Am7 Barre Chord in the 5th Position
For a different flavor and to move the Am7 chord up the neck, you can utilize a barre chord in the 5th position. This voicing offers a fuller sound and is useful for chord progressions that move higher up the fretboard.
To play the Am7 barre chord in the 5th position:
- Use your index finger to barre across all six strings at the 5th fret. Ensure each string rings clearly.
- Your barre should cover:
- 5th fret of the low E (6th) string
- 5th fret of the A (5th) string
- 5th fret of the D (4th) string
- 5th fret of the G (3rd) string
- 5th fret of the B (2nd) string
- 5th fret of the high E (1st) string
- Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the A string (5th string).
Strum all six strings downwards from the low E string for this barre chord voicing. This position provides a richer, more powerful Am7 sound compared to the open position.
Understanding the Notes Within the Am7 Chord
Despite having no flat notes in its name, the Am7 chord possesses a distinctly melancholic and sophisticated sound. This comes from the specific combination of notes that constitute the chord:
A, C, E, G
These four notes are the root (A), the minor third (C), the perfect fifth (E), and the minor seventh (G) of the A minor scale. It’s the minor seventh interval (G) that adds that characteristic “seventh chord” color, differentiating it from a simple A minor triad and giving it its emotional depth.
When playing the Am7 in open position, you are effectively playing these notes across the strings you strum:
- A String: A (Root)
- D String: E (Perfect Fifth)
- G String: G (Minor Seventh)
- B String: C (Minor Third)
- High E String: E (Perfect Fifth)
By understanding the notes, you begin to grasp how the Am7 chord functions musically and why it evokes certain feelings.
Songs That Showcase the Am7 Chord
The Am7 chord is a secret weapon in songwriting, adding a touch of class and emotional nuance. While not as ubiquitous as some basic chords, it appears in a wide range of genres, demonstrating its versatility and impact. Training your ear to recognize the Am7 in songs will not only enhance your listening experience but also inspire your own playing.
Am7 in Pop Music
Pop music often uses seventh chords to add sophistication and emotional depth.
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“Holocene” by Bon Iver: This song beautifully uses the Am7 to underscore the song’s introspective and melancholic mood, perfectly capturing the push and pull between doubt and hope.
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“More Than Words” by Extreme: Nuno Bettencourt masterfully incorporates the Am7 into the acoustic ballad’s chord progression. The chord adds to the song’s heartfelt and romantic feel, especially when combined with percussive strumming.
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“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys: Surprisingly, the Am7 can even contribute to upbeat and cheerful tunes! In this Beach Boys classic, it adds a touch of harmonic interest without disrupting the song’s sunny disposition.
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“Super Fly” by Curtis Mayfield: For a grittier and funkier application, listen to “Super Fly.” The Am7 here adds a layer of cool and sophistication to the song’s funky groove.
Am7 in Country Music
Even in country, where simpler chords often reign, the Am7 finds its place, adding a touch of bluesy emotion or mellow heartbreak.
- “Crazy” by Patsy Cline: Patsy Cline’s signature song utilizes the Am7 to enhance its dreamy, vulnerable, and heartbroken atmosphere. The chord contributes to the song’s timeless and poignant feel.
Am7 in Blues and Jazz
The Am7 is right at home in blues and jazz, genres that thrive on richer harmonies and emotional expression.
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“I’m In the Mood For Love” by Louis Armstrong: Louis Armstrong’s romantic rendition of this standard places the Am7 in a distinctly smooth and amorous context.
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“Phone Booth” by Robert Cray: Robert Cray, a modern blues innovator, injects the Am7 into a contemporary blues setting. In “Phone Booth,” the Am7 contributes to the song’s sexy, groove-heavy feel, showing its bluesy side.
Expanding your chord vocabulary to include the Am7 opens up new sonic possibilities and allows you to inject more emotion into your guitar playing. Explore its use in different genres and experiment with incorporating it into your own songs and progressions.
To further enhance your guitar skills, consider exploring Fender Play’s chord library for more chord types and playing tips. And if you’re ready to take your learning to the next level, sign up for a free Fender Play trial today!
