The A minor 7 chord (often written as Am7) is a sophisticated and evocative chord that adds depth and emotion to guitar music. It’s neither purely happy nor definitively sad, possessing a unique bittersweet quality that stems from its combination of a minor tonality with a jazzy 7th interval. This inherent tension makes the Am7 a versatile tool for songwriters and guitarists across genres, lending a touch of complexity and intrigue to chord progressions.
If you’re looking to expand your chord vocabulary and inject your playing with richer harmonic colors, the Am7 is an essential chord to learn. Let’s dive into understanding, playing, and utilizing this compelling chord on the guitar.
Understanding the A Minor 7 Chord
To appreciate the Am7 chord, it helps to break down its construction. At its core, it’s built upon the foundation of an A minor triad (A, C, E), but with an added note: the minor 7th interval. In the key of A minor, the 7th note is G. Therefore, the notes that comprise the Am7 chord are A, C, E, and G.
This combination of notes creates the chord’s distinctive flavor. The minor triad provides the melancholic foundation, while the 7th interval adds a layer of sophistication and a slight yearning quality. Compared to a simple A minor chord, the Am7 offers a more nuanced and complex sound, making it ideal for adding emotional depth to your music.
How to Play the Am7 Chord in Open Position
If you’re already familiar with the basic A minor chord in open position, learning the Am7 will be a breeze. In fact, many guitarists find the Am7 easier to play than the standard Am! The open position Am7 involves a slight modification to the Am fingering.
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).
- Middle Finger: Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string).
- Strumming: Strum five strings downwards, starting from the A string (5th string). Avoid strumming the low E string (6th string).
Notice that in this voicing, the open G string is incorporated into the chord. This open G is the 7th note that transforms the Am chord into Am7. The open position Am7 is a comfortable and widely used voicing, especially in beginner and intermediate guitar playing.
Exploring the Am7 Barre Chord in the 5th Position
As you progress on the guitar, mastering barre chords is crucial for accessing different voicings and playing up the neck. The Am7 chord can also be played as a barre chord in various positions. A common and useful position for the Am7 barre chord is the 5th fret.
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.
- Ring Finger: Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the A string (5th string).
When strumming this barre chord, make sure to apply even pressure with your index finger to ensure all strings ring out clearly. Strum all six strings for this voicing to get the full, rich sound of the Am7 barre chord. This position is particularly useful for transitioning smoothly from other barre chords in the same area of the neck.
The Notes Within the Am7 Chord: A Deeper Look
Let’s revisit the notes that make up the Am7 chord in open position to solidify our understanding of its construction:
A, C, E, G, E
As you can see, the open position Am7 utilizes five strings, omitting the low E string. The notes are:
- A: The root note of the chord.
- C: The minor third, giving the chord its minor quality.
- E: The perfect fifth.
- G: The minor seventh, adding the characteristic 7th flavor.
- E: The perfect fifth (repeated).
Even though there are no sharp or flat notes in the Am7 chord itself (in its root position in the key of A minor), the combination of these notes creates a sound that is both grounded and harmonically rich, lending itself to a wide range of musical contexts.
Am7 Chord in Songs Across Genres
The versatility of the Am7 chord is evident in its presence across numerous musical genres. Its emotional depth and harmonic interest make it a favorite among songwriters and composers. Let’s explore some examples of songs that feature the Am7 chord, showcasing its diverse applications.
Pop Sensibilities
In pop music, the Am7 chord can add a touch of sophistication and emotional nuance.
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“Holocene” by Bon Iver: This indie-folk masterpiece utilizes the Am7 to emphasize the song’s introspective and melancholic mood, perfectly capturing the lyrical themes of self-doubt and fragile hope. The Am7 enhances the emotional weight of the song.
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“More Than Words” by Extreme: This acoustic ballad showcases the Am7 within a chord progression that is both tender and powerful. Guitarist Nuno Bettencourt masterfully blends the Am7 with percussive guitar techniques, creating a dynamic and emotionally resonant arrangement.
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“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys: Even in cheerful pop tunes, the Am7 can find its place. In this Beach Boys classic, the Am7 contributes to the song’s optimistic yet slightly wistful feel, adding a layer of harmonic color that elevates the overall sound.
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“Super Fly” by Curtis Mayfield: For a grittier, funkier vibe, look no further than Curtis Mayfield’s “Super Fly.” The Am7 in this context lends a cool, soulful flavor, demonstrating its adaptability across different styles within pop and soul music.
Country Heartbreak
The Am7 chord’s inherent melancholy makes it a natural fit for country music, particularly songs expressing heartache and vulnerability.
- “Crazy” by Patsy Cline: Patsy Cline’s iconic ballad “Crazy” exemplifies the Am7’s ability to amplify emotional depth in country music. The Am7 contributes to the song’s dreamlike, vulnerable atmosphere, enhancing the feeling of mellow heartbreak that defines this classic tune.
Blues and Jazz Infusion
The Am7 chord bridges the gap between blues and jazz, adding a touch of sophistication to blues progressions and fitting seamlessly into jazzy contexts.
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“I’m In the Mood For Love” by Louis Armstrong: Louis Armstrong’s timeless rendition of “I’m In the Mood For Love” showcases the Am7 in a romantic and classic jazz setting. The chord contributes to the song’s smooth, sentimental atmosphere, highlighting its versatility in creating different moods.
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“Phone Booth” by Robert Cray: Contemporary blues innovator Robert Cray demonstrates a different side of the Am7 in “Phone Booth.” Here, the Am7 is placed within a bluesy, beat-heavy groove, showcasing its ability to sound both sophisticated and grounded in a blues context.
Jazz Standard Applications
Beyond blues and pop, the Am7 is a staple in jazz harmony. Its rich sound and smooth transitions make it incredibly useful in jazz progressions.
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“Autumn Leaves”: This jazz standard frequently utilizes the Am7 chord as part of its iconic descending chord progression. The Am7 creates a smooth and sophisticated harmonic movement that is characteristic of jazz harmony.
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“So What” by Miles Davis: While famously modal, “So What” still employs Am7 chords as a foundational element in its harmonic structure. The Am7 contributes to the tune’s cool, understated jazz vibe.
Expand Your Musical Palette with the Am7
The A minor 7 chord is more than just another chord to add to your repertoire; it’s a gateway to a richer, more expressive sound on the guitar. By mastering the Am7 in both open and barre positions and understanding its harmonic role, you’ll unlock new possibilities in your songwriting and playing.
Experiment with incorporating the Am7 into your chord progressions, explore songs that feature it, and train your ear to recognize its distinctive sound. Whether you’re playing pop, country, blues, jazz, or any genre in between, the Am7 chord is a valuable tool for adding emotional depth and harmonic sophistication to your guitar playing.
To further expand your chord knowledge and guitar skills, consider exploring Fender Play’s extensive chord library and interactive lessons. And if you’re ready to take your guitar journey to the next level, sign up for a free trial of Fender Play today!
