The Am7 Guitar Chord, often written as A minor 7 or Amin7, is a versatile chord known for adding a layer of emotional depth to music. It carries a unique sound, neither purely happy nor sad, thanks to its blend of a minor chord with a 7th interval. This combination creates a bittersweet quality that can bring a distinctive punch and feeling to songs. Let’s explore the Am7 chord, understand its construction, and learn how to play it on your guitar.
Understanding the Am7 Chord
If you’re already familiar with the Am chord, learning the Am7 will be a smooth transition. Think of the Am7 as a variation of the A minor, simplified yet richer in tone. Both chords are played in Standard Open E tuning and share many of the same notes, with a key difference that significantly shapes the Am7’s character.
The A minor chord typically follows a pattern of A, E, B, C, E. The Am7 chord subtly shifts this by replacing the “B” note with a “G”, resulting in the notes A, E, G, C, E. This change of just one note from B to G is what gives the Am7 its distinctive and emotionally evocative sound compared to the standard Am chord.
How to Play the Open Position Am7 Chord
Playing the Am7 chord in the open position is quite straightforward, especially if you know the Am chord. Let’s break down the finger placement:
- Index Finger: Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string (the 2nd string from the thinnest).
- Middle Finger: Position your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (the 3rd string from the thickest).
Leave the G string (3rd string from the thinnest) open.
Once your fingers are in place, strum downwards starting from the A string (the 5th string from the thickest), avoiding the low E string (the 6th string). This open position Am7 is a great starting point for incorporating this chord into your playing.
Playing the Am7 Chord as a Barre Chord
Another way to play the Am7 chord is by using a barre chord in the 5th position. This technique allows you to play the Am7 shape in different positions up the neck, offering more flexibility and a different tonal color.
To play the Am7 barre chord in the 5th position:
- Index Finger: Barre your index finger across all six strings at the 5th fret. Ensure all strings are pressed down cleanly by your index finger at the 5th fret.
- Ring Finger: Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the A string (5th string).
For this barre chord voicing, strum all six strings down from the low E string. This Am7 barre chord provides a fuller, richer sound and is useful for chord progressions that move up the guitar neck.
Notes That Make Up the Am7 Chord
Despite having no flat notes in its name, the Am7 chord creates a sophisticated and somewhat melancholic sound. The A Minor 7 chord is composed of the following notes:
A, C, E, G
When you play the Am7 chord, you are essentially sounding these four notes in different octaves across the guitar strings. In the open position Am7 we discussed earlier, the specific notes you hear are: A, E, G, C, E. Remember to strum all strings except the low E string to correctly voice the chord.
Songs That Use the Am7 Chord
The Am7 chord, with its unique emotional quality, is featured across various genres, adding depth and interest to countless songs. While it might not be as ubiquitous as some basic major or minor chords, recognizing its use in songs can train your ear and inspire your own songwriting.
Am7 in Pop Music
The Am7’s versatility shines brightly in pop music. For example, “Holocene” by Bon Iver masterfully uses the Am7 to enhance the song’s introspective and emotionally complex atmosphere, perfectly capturing the push and pull between doubt and hope.
“More Than Words” by Extreme, an acoustic power ballad, showcases guitarist Nuno Bettencourt’s clever incorporation of the Am7 chord. He blends it into a progression with percussive strumming, creating a rhythmic backdrop that complements the chord’s emotional texture.
Even in more upbeat pop tunes, the Am7 finds its place. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys uses the Am7 to contribute to its cheerful yet nostalgic sound. On the funkier side, “Super Fly” by Curtis Mayfield utilizes the Am7 to inject a dose of gritty, soulful flavor into the song.
Am7 in Country and Blues
The distinctive sound of Patsy Cline is unmistakable, and the Am7 chord plays a role in her signature style. In her classic hit “Crazy”, the Am7 contributes to the song’s dreamy, vulnerable, and heart-wrenching feel, enhancing its mellow heartbreak.
In blues and jazz, the Am7 chord finds a natural home. Louis Armstrong’s romantic rendition of “I’m In the Mood For Love” beautifully positions the A minor 7 chord to create a warm and intimate mood.
On the contemporary blues scene, Robert Cray showcases the Am7 in a different light in “Phone Booth.” He infuses the chord into a groove-heavy, bluesy track, demonstrating its adaptability and modern applications.
Expand Your Chord Vocabulary with Am7
Incorporating the Am7 chord into your guitar playing opens up new sonic possibilities and allows you to express a wider range of emotions in your music. Experiment with using the Am7 in your own songs and practice recognizing it in your favorite tunes.
To further expand your chord knowledge and guitar skills, explore resources like guitarplayers.net’s chord library and consider trying out structured lessons to master various chord types and techniques. Embrace the unique voice of the Am7 chord and unlock its bittersweet emotion in your guitar playing.
