The A Minor 7th Guitar Chord, often written as Am7, Amin7, or A-7, is a versatile and evocative chord that adds a layer of sophistication to your guitar playing. It’s known for its ability to inject a bittersweet, melancholic, or even jazzy flavor into songs, making it a favorite among songwriters and guitarists across genres. Unlike simple major or minor chords, the Am7 possesses a unique tension that stems from its four-note construction, creating a sound that’s neither entirely happy nor sad, but richly complex.
If you’re looking to expand your chord vocabulary and add depth to your music, the Am7 chord is an essential addition. Let’s dive into understanding what makes this chord so special and learn how to play it in different positions on your guitar.
Getting Started with the Open Position Am7 Chord
If you’re already familiar with the basic A minor chord, you’ll find the Am7 chord in open position surprisingly easy to learn. Think of it as a simplified and slightly altered version of the Am chord. Both chords share a similar shape and are played in the standard open E tuning, using many of the same notes. The key difference lies in just one note, but this single change dramatically alters the chord’s character.
The standard A minor chord typically uses the notes A, E, A, C, E, and A (from the 5th string down to the 1st). The Am7 chord, however, subtly shifts this by replacing the B note (which is implied in the Am chord shape) with a G note. The notes in an Am7 chord are A, E, G, C, E. This substitution of the B for a G is what creates the characteristic “7th” sound and the chord’s distinctive emotional quality.
To play the open position Am7 chord, follow these simple steps:
- Index Finger: Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string (the second string from the thinnest).
- Middle Finger: Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (the fourth string from the thinnest).
- Strumming: Strum five strings downwards, starting from the A string (the fifth string from the thinnest). Avoid strumming the low E string (the thickest string) for this voicing.
This is it! You’re now playing the Am7 chord in its open position. Notice how the sound differs from a standard Am chord – it’s richer and more nuanced.
Image: Diagram showing finger placement for the A minor 7th chord in open position, emphasizing index finger on the 1st fret of the B string and middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string.
Exploring the Am7 Barre Chord in the 5th Position
Beyond the open position, you can also play the Am7 chord further up the guitar neck using a barre chord. The 5th position Am7 barre chord is a useful voicing to know, especially when you need to transition smoothly between chords in different parts of the neck or want a different tonal color.
Here’s how to play the Am7 barre chord in the 5th position:
- Barre with Index Finger: Use your index finger to barre across all six strings at the 5th fret. Ensure you are pressing down firmly enough so that all strings ring out clearly.
- Ring Finger: Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the A string (the fifth string from the thickest).
- Strumming: Strum all six strings downwards, starting from the low E string.
This barre chord voicing of Am7 provides a fuller, more powerful sound compared to the open position. It’s also a movable shape, meaning you can move this same shape up and down the neck to play other minor 7th chords (e.g., move it up two frets to play a Bm7, etc.).
Image: Illustration of the Am7 chord in the 5th position using a barre technique, highlighting the index finger barring across the 5th fret and the ring finger on the 7th fret of the A string.
Unpacking the Notes of the Am7 Chord
Understanding the notes that constitute the Am7 chord unveils why it has its characteristic sound. The Am7 chord is built upon four notes:
- A (Root): The fundamental note of the chord, giving the chord its name.
- C (Minor Third): This interval gives the chord its minor quality, lending a touch of sadness or introspection.
- E (Perfect Fifth): A stable and consonant interval, providing a solid foundation to the chord.
- G (Minor Seventh): This is the defining note of the minor 7th chord. The minor seventh interval adds a jazzy, bluesy, or slightly dissonant flavor, creating tension and emotional depth.
When you strum an Am7 chord, these notes blend together, creating a rich and complex sound that is more than the sum of its parts. It’s this combination of minor and seventh intervals that gives the Am7 its unique and versatile character.
Songs That Showcase the Am7 Chord
The Am7 chord is a workhorse in popular music, appearing across numerous genres and adding its signature touch to countless songs. Learning to recognize the sound of the Am7 in these songs will not only train your ear but also inspire you to use it in your own playing and songwriting.
Pop Sensibilities
In pop music, the Am7 chord often adds emotional complexity and sophistication.
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“Holocene” by Bon Iver: This song beautifully utilizes the Am7 to underscore the song’s introspective and melancholic mood. The chord progression, centered around the Am7, creates a haunting and emotionally resonant atmosphere, perfectly matching the song’s lyrical themes of self-doubt and fragile hope.
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“More Than Words” by Extreme: While known for its acoustic tenderness, “More Than Words” incorporates the Am7 chord into its delicate fingerstyle arrangement. Guitarist Nuno Bettencourt masterfully blends the Am7 into a progression that emphasizes the song’s heartfelt and earnest emotion, enhancing the romantic ballad feel.
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“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys: Even in upbeat and cheerful tunes, the Am7 can find its place. In “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” the Am7 adds a touch of harmonic sophistication without disrupting the song’s optimistic vibe. It demonstrates the chord’s versatility, capable of contributing to both happy and more reflective moods.
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“Super Fly” by Curtis Mayfield: Moving into funk, “Super Fly” uses the Am7 to inject a cool, gritty, and soulful flavor. Here, the Am7 contributes to the song’s laid-back yet edgy character, showcasing its ability to work in a funk context and add a layer of urban sophistication.
Country Heartbreak
Even in country music, the Am7 can evoke deep emotion and vulnerability.
- “Crazy” by Patsy Cline: This classic country ballad, known for its poignant delivery, features the Am7 chord, which enhances the song’s dreamy and heartbroken atmosphere. The Am7 contributes to the song’s overall feeling of vulnerability and longing, perfectly complementing Cline’s emotive vocals.
Bluesy Romance
The Am7 chord also bridges genres like blues and jazz, lending a romantic and soulful touch.
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“I’m In the Mood For Love” by Louis Armstrong: Armstrong’s timeless rendition positions the Am7 in a distinctly romantic light. In this context, the Am7 chord takes on a smooth, jazzy quality, enhancing the song’s amorous and tender mood.
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“Phone Booth” by Robert Cray: For a more contemporary blues sound, Robert Cray’s “Phone Booth” throws the Am7 into a beat-heavy, groove-oriented setting. Here, the Am7 takes on a sexy, bluesy edge, proving its adaptability across different blues styles and tempos.
Elevate Your Guitar Playing with the Am7 Chord
By adding the a minor 7th guitar chord to your repertoire, you unlock a powerful tool for expressing a wider range of emotions and adding harmonic richness to your music. Whether you’re writing songs, learning covers, or simply experimenting with chord progressions, the Am7 chord is sure to become a valuable asset in your guitar playing journey.
Continue to explore the world of guitar chords and expand your musical horizons! For more chords, lessons, and tips, be sure to check out guitarplayers.net’s chord library and consider signing up for a free trial to unlock even more resources and accelerate your learning.
