The A7 Guitar Chord is a fantastic addition to any guitarist’s toolkit. It’s not as bright as a major chord, nor as melancholic as a minor, offering a unique in-between sound thanks to its distinctive sharp note (C#). This versatile chord adds character and a touch of unexpected flavor to songs across genres, whether you’re strumming it low or high on the neck. Let’s dive into how to play the A7 chord and explore its musical applications.
Two Essential Ways to Play the A7 Chord on Guitar
Fortunately, learning the A7 chord is quite accessible, even for beginners. There are two primary ways to play it, both in standard E tuning and relatively easy to grasp.
The Open Position A7 Chord
This is often the first A7 chord shape guitarists learn due to its simplicity. It utilizes open strings and requires just two fingers.
To form the open A7 chord:
- Place your middle finger (2nd finger) on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string from the thickest).
- Place your ring finger (3rd finger) on the 2nd fret of the B string (2nd string from the thickest).
- Strum downwards from the A string (5th string), avoiding the low E string.
This creates a rich, open sound perfect for many styles of music.
The Barre Chord A7 Shape (Higher Position)
For a brighter, higher-pitched A7 sound, or when chord progressions require it further up the neck, the barre chord version is invaluable. This shape is a bit trickier but expands your chord vocabulary significantly.
To play the barre chord A7:
- Use your index finger to barre across all six strings at the 6th fret.
- Place your middle finger on the 7th fret of the D string (4th string).
- Place your pinky finger on the 8th fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Strum downwards from the D string (4th string), playing only the top three strings for a clear sound.
This voicing of the A7 chord offers a different tonal color and is particularly useful for lead guitar work or adding a different texture within a song.
A7 Chord in Action: Songs Across Genres
The A7 chord isn’t confined to one genre; its distinctive sound makes it at home in rock, folk, pop, country, blues, and beyond. Recognizing it in songs is a great way to train your ear and understand its musical context.
Rock Anthems and A7
From the early days of rock and roll to modern hits, the A7 chord has played a part. Listen to “Peggy Sue” by Buddy Holly, a classic rockabilly track, to hear its vintage charm. The Beatles, icons of British rock, incorporated the A7 into “I Saw Her Standing There,” adding a touch of harmonic sophistication to their early sound.
Even in later rock music, the A7 remains relevant. The Police’s mega-hit “Every Breath You Take,” features the A7 prominently in its bridge, creating a moment of harmonic tension before resolving.
Folk Melodies and the A7’s Gentle Touch
The A7 chord can also be found in gentler genres like folk music. The timeless hymn “Amazing Grace,” a staple of folk tradition, uses the A7 to create a sense of yearning and resolution within its simple yet powerful melody. Its inclusion highlights the chord’s ability to evoke emotion across diverse musical settings.
Pop Sensations and the A7 Chord
Pop music, known for its catchy and accessible melodies, also utilizes the A7 chord effectively. Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock and Roll,” used the A7 in his early pop hits like “Heartbreak Hotel” and “That’s All Right.”
Moving into the Motown era, Diana Ross and the Supremes featured the A7 in their signature song, “Baby Love.” Similarly, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas’ “Dancing in the Streets,” a high-energy pop anthem, also incorporates the A7, showcasing its versatility even in upbeat contexts.
Country Roads and the A7 Harmony
The blend of optimism and slight melancholy in the A7 chord makes it a natural fit for country music. Roy Rogers and Dale Evans’ classic cowboy tune, “Happy Trails,” which served as the sign-off for their shows, utilizes the A7 to evoke a sense of nostalgic farewell.
Merle Haggard’s poignant country ballad, “Mama Tried,” and Patsy Cline’s dreamy country-pop crossover hit, “Walkin’ After Midnight,” both feature the A7, demonstrating its ability to convey a range of emotions within the country genre.
Blues Riffs and the A7 Groove
In blues music, the A7 chord is practically essential. Blues legend John Lee Hooker frequently employed the A7, notably in tracks like “Blues Before Sunrise” and “Boom Boom”.
Stevie Ray Vaughan’s powerful blues-rock anthem, “Crossfire,” uses the A7 to build tension and release. You can also hear the A7 in blues classics like Freddie King’s “I’m Tore Down,” and B.B. King’s insightful blues track, “Why I Sing the Blues”.
Practice Makes Perfect: Embrace the A7 Chord
No matter which A7 chord shape you prefer, consistent practice is key to mastering it. Start by learning both the open and barre versions. Then, listen actively for the A7 in your favorite songs across different genres and try playing along.
Expanding your chord vocabulary is a continuous journey. Explore more guitar chords and deepen your understanding of chord types with guitarplayers.net’s resources. Happy playing!
