The Am7 chord, sometimes referred to as “A minor 7” or “Amin7”, is a versatile and emotionally rich chord that adds depth to your guitar playing. Like many seventh chords, the Am7 possesses a unique sonic quality that’s neither strictly happy nor sad, but rather bittersweet and intriguing. This is because it blends the essence of a minor chord with a 7th interval, creating a sound that is both melancholic and sophisticated.
The Am7 chord is known for its ability to inject a punch of emotion into a song, lending a touch of bittersweetness wherever it appears. Let’s delve deeper into understanding this chord, explore how to play it in different positions, and discover songs that beautifully showcase its unique character.
Discovering the Am7 Chord
If you’re already familiar with the Am chord, learning the Am7 will feel like a natural progression. Think of the Am7 as a refined and slightly more complex variation of the A minor chord. Both chords are played in Standard Open E tuning and share many of the same notes, with a subtle yet significant difference that shapes their distinct tonal qualities.
The core structure of the Am7 chord differs from the Am chord by just one note, but this single change dramatically impacts its overall sound. An A minor chord is composed of the notes A, E, B, C, and E, whereas the Am7 chord features the notes A, E, G, C, and E. Notice that the Am7 chord replaces the “B” note found in the Am chord with an open “G” note, creating that characteristic minor seventh sound.
To play the Am7 chord in its open position, begin by placing your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string (the second string from the thinnest). Then, position your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (the third string from the thickest).
- Index finger: 1st fret of the B (2nd) string
- Middle finger: 2nd fret of the D (4th) string
Once your fingers are correctly positioned, strum five strings downwards, starting from the A string. Avoid strumming the low E string (the thickest string) for this open position voicing.
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 in the 5th position. This voicing offers a different tonal color and can be useful for transitioning smoothly between chords in various musical contexts.
To play the Am7 chord as a barre chord in the 5th position, you will use your index finger to barre across the 5th fret, covering the low E, D, G, B, and high E strings. Your ring finger will then fret the 7th fret of the A string.
- Index finger: Barre across the 5th fret of the low E (6th), D (4th), G (3rd), B (2nd), and E (1st) strings
- Ring Finger: 7th fret of the A (5th) string
For this barre chord voicing, strum all six strings downwards, starting from the low E string. This will produce a fuller, more resonant Am7 sound compared to the open position.
Understanding the Notes Within the Open Position Am7 Chord
Despite the absence of any flat notes in its name, the Am7 chord possesses a distinctly serious and emotionally charged sound. This characteristic arises from the specific combination of notes that constitute the chord. The A minor 7 chord in open position is comprised of the following notes:
A, E, G, C, E
As you strum the open position Am7 chord, you are playing these individual notes together, which blend to create the chord’s unique and evocative sound. Remember to strike all strings except the low E string (6th string) when playing the open Am7 chord.
Songs That Feature the Am7 Chord
The Am7 chord is a master of subtle entrances, often adding a touch of sophistication and emotional depth to songs without overpowering the overall feel. While it might not be as ubiquitous as the E chord in popular music, the Am7 appears in a diverse range of genres, contributing its unique flavor to countless songs. By familiarizing yourself with songs that utilize the Am7 chord, you can train your ear to recognize its distinctive sound and appreciate its musical impact.
Am7 Chord in Pop Music
The versatility of the Am7 chord truly shines in pop music, where it’s employed to create a spectrum of moods and textures. Pop songs demonstrate how effectively this chord can be used to enhance emotional expression.
In “Holocene” by Bon Iver, the Am7 chord subtly underscores the song’s central theme of inner conflict, highlighting the delicate balance between self-doubt and optimism.
The acoustic ballad “More Than Words” by Extreme features guitarist Nuno Bettencourt weaving the Am7 into a rich chord progression. He masterfully incorporates percussive strumming, tapping the guitar’s body while strumming, to create a rhythmic foundation without relying on drums, and the Am7 adds to the song’s dynamic texture.
The Am7 chord isn’t limited to melancholic or dramatic contexts. It can also contribute to upbeat and cheerful tunes, as heard in “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys. Conversely, the Am7 can inject a dose of gritty funk into tracks like “Super Fly” by Curtis Mayfield, showcasing its adaptability across genres.
Am7 Chord in Country Music
The legendary Patsy Cline’s signature sound, characterized by its dreamy quality and raw vulnerability, is instantly recognizable in her vast catalog of hits. Her iconic song “Crazy”, famously recorded in a single take, became one of her most enduring songs. The Am7 chord subtly enhances the song’s mellow and heartbroken atmosphere, blending seamlessly into its orchestration.
Am7 Chord in Blues Music
Bridging the gap between blues and traditional sentimental ballads, Louis Armstrong’s rendition of “I’m In the Mood For Love” positions the Am7 chord in a romantic light. In this context, the chord evokes a sense of tenderness and warmth.
On the other end of the blues spectrum, contemporary innovator Robert Cray takes the Am7 chord and infuses it with a modern, beat-driven groove in “Phone Booth.” Here, the Am7 chord takes on a more assertive and rhythmic character, demonstrating its versatility within the blues genre.
Expanding your guitar chord vocabulary to include the Am7 chord opens up new avenues for emotional expression in your playing. Start experimenting with the Am7 to inject unexpected bursts of emotion and depth into your songs.
To further enhance your guitar skills, explore more tips, techniques, and songs with a free trial of Fender Play. And if you’re eager to learn even more chords, browse Fender Play’s comprehensive chord library, delve into different chord types, and find valuable guidance on mastering them. If you’re not already a member, sign up for a free Fender Play trial today!
