The A7 guitar chord is a fantastic addition to any guitarist’s toolkit. It offers a unique sound, sitting between the brightness of a major chord and the melancholy of a minor chord. This distinctive quality comes from the C# note within its structure, adding a touch of sharpness and complexity. Whether you’re playing in a low or high register, the A7 chord can bring an unexpected twist and dynamic punch to songs across various genres. Let’s explore how to easily play this versatile chord.
Two Essential Ways to Play the A7 Chord on Guitar
Beginners and seasoned players alike will find the A7 chord accessible and rewarding to learn. There are two primary ways to play it using standard E tuning, each offering a slightly different voicing and feel.
Method 1: The Open Position A7 Chord
The first, and often easiest, way to play the A7 chord is in the open position. This is a great starting point for beginners.
To form this A7 chord:
- Place your middle finger (finger 2) on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string).
- Place your ring finger (finger 3) on the 2nd fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Leave the A string (5th string) open.
- Strum down five strings, starting from the A string. Avoid strumming the low E string.
- Index finger: Not used
- Middle finger: 2nd fret of the D (4th) string
- Ring finger: 2nd fret of the B (2nd) stringStrumming: Start from the A string downwards.
This open A7 chord shape is commonly used and provides a full, resonant sound that’s perfect for many musical styles.
Method 2: The Barre Chord A7 Shape
For a higher-pitched A7 chord, or when chord progressions require moving up the neck, the barre chord version is invaluable. While it requires a bit more finger strength and dexterity, it opens up new sonic possibilities.
Here’s how 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 three strings down, starting from the D string. You’ll be playing the D, G, and B strings.
- Index finger: Barre across all 6 strings at the 6th fret
- Middle finger: 7th fret of the D (4th) string
- Pinky finger: 8th fret of the B (2nd) stringStrumming: Start from the D string downwards.
This barre A7 chord offers a brighter, more cutting tone due to its position higher up the fretboard. It’s excellent for lead guitar work and adding a different flavor to rhythm playing.
Popular Songs That Feature the A7 Chord
The A7 chord isn’t confined to a single genre; its versatility has made it a favorite among songwriters across rock, folk, pop, country, and blues. Recognizing the A7 in popular songs is a great way to train your ear and see how it’s applied in real musical contexts.
A7 Chords in Rock Music
Rock and roll pioneers quickly adopted the A7 chord. You can hear it in “Peggy Sue” by Buddy Holly, a cornerstone of early rock. British Invasion bands like The Beatles also utilized the A7, notably in their hit “I Saw Her Standing There.”
Moving into later rock, The Police incorporated the A7 into their iconic song, “Every Breath You Take,” adding a unique color to the bridge section.
Folk and the A7 Chord
Even in traditional folk music, the A7 chord finds its place. The timeless hymn “Amazing Grace,” a song with roots dating back to 1779, includes the A7, demonstrating its enduring appeal across generations and genres.
A7 in Pop Anthems
Pop music, with its diverse influences, also embraces the A7. Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock and Roll,” used it in pop-infused hits like “Heartbreak Hotel” and “That’s All Right.”
Motown legends also understood the A7’s charm. Diana Ross and the Supremes featured it in their signature song, “Baby Love.” Similarly, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas’ upbeat “Dancing in the Streets,” a song that became a civil rights anthem, also utilizes the A7 chord.
Country Twang with the A7
The blend of optimism and slight melancholy in the A7 chord resonates perfectly with country music’s storytelling tradition. Country classics like Roy Rogers and Dale Evans’ “Happy Trails,” and Merle Haggard’s poignant “Mama Tried” both incorporate the A7. Patsy Cline’s dreamy “Walkin’ After Midnight” further showcases the chord’s versatility in country.
Blues and the Dominant A7
In the blues, the A7 chord is a staple, often functioning as a dominant 7th chord that drives the music forward with tension and release. Blues icon John Lee Hooker frequently used it in tracks like “Blues Before Sunrise” and “Boom Boom”.
Stevie Ray Vaughan’s powerful blues-rock anthem “Crossfire” also features the A7, adding to its intensity. You can also hear it in blues standards like Freddie King’s “I’m Tore Down,” and B.B. King’s lesson in musical philosophy, “Why I Sing the Blues”.
Conclusion: Practice and Explore the A7 Guitar Chord
Whether you choose the open position or the barre chord A7, consistent practice is key to making it feel natural and sound great. Experiment with both shapes and listen for the A7 chord in your favorite songs to truly understand its application and sonic character.
To expand your chord vocabulary, explore online guitar chord libraries and resources. Websites like Fender Play (as mentioned in the original article, though many other resources are available) offer chord diagrams, lessons, and tips to help you master a wide range of guitar chords. Embrace the A7 chord, and you’ll unlock a richer and more expressive sound in your guitar playing.
