The Am7 chord, often written as “A minor 7” or “Amin7”, is a versatile guitar chord known for adding emotional depth and a touch of tension to songs. Unlike simple major or minor chords, the Am7 possesses a unique character that’s neither purely happy nor sad. This intriguing quality arises from its structure: a minor chord foundation combined with a 7th interval, creating a bittersweet and sophisticated sound.
This chord’s distinctive flavor makes it a favorite among songwriters and guitarists across genres. It can inject a melancholic feel, add a jazzy sophistication, or simply provide a richer harmonic texture compared to a standard Am chord. Let’s delve deeper into the Am7 chord, exploring its construction, how to play it on guitar, and its application in various musical styles.
Grasping the Open Position Am7 Chord
If you’re already familiar with the A minor chord, learning the Am7 will be a breeze. Think of the Am7 as a refined version of the Am chord, easily achievable in the open position. Both chords share similarities in fingering and the strings involved in standard open E tuning, with a subtle yet impactful change in just one note.
The difference lies in the notes that constitute each chord. The standard A minor chord typically comprises the notes A, E, and B (and C, E in open position), whereas the Am7 chord replaces the B with a G. Specifically, the open position Am chord utilizes the notes A, E, B, C, E, and the Am7 chord uses A, E, G, C, E. This seemingly small change—swapping the “B” for an open “G”— imparts a significant shift in the chord’s tonal color.
To form the Am7 chord in open position, start by placing your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string (the 2nd string). Then, place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (the 4th string).
- Index finger: 1st fret of the B (2nd) string
- Middle finger: 2nd fret of the D (4th) string
Strum downwards across five strings, starting from the A string (leaving out the low E string). You’ll immediately hear the distinct, gentler sound of the Am7 compared to the fuller Am chord.
Playing the Am7 Chord as a Barre Chord
For greater versatility and to access the Am7 chord in different positions along the guitar neck, you can utilize the barre chord technique. The 5th position is a common and useful place to play an Am7 barre chord.
To play the Am7 as a barre chord in the 5th position, use your index finger to barre across all six strings at the 5th fret. This means pressing down all strings at the 5th fret with your index finger. Then, use your ring finger to fret the 7th fret of the A string (5th string).
- Index finger: Barre across all strings at the 5th fret (strings 1 through 6)
- Ring Finger: 7th fret of the A (5th) string
Strum all six strings downwards from the low E string. This barre chord version of Am7 provides a fuller, richer sound and allows for smooth transitions to other barre chords up and down the neck.
Decoding the Notes Within the Open Position Am7 Chord
Despite the absence of flat notes in its name, the Am7 chord possesses a subtly complex and emotionally resonant sound. The A Minor 7 chord is composed of the following notes:
A, C, E, G
When played in open position, using the standard guitar tuning, the specific notes you’re playing on each string (excluding the low E string) are:
A, E, G, C, E
These notes combine to create the characteristic minor seventh sound, lending a touch of sophistication and depth to your guitar playing. Remember to strum all strings except the low E (6th string) when playing the open position Am7 chord to achieve the correct voicing.
Popular Songs Featuring the Am7 Chord
The Am7 chord, while not as ubiquitous as some basic major and minor chords, holds a special place in music and appears across a wide range of genres. Its unique emotional quality makes it a valuable tool for songwriters and composers. Training your ear to recognize the Am7 in songs will deepen your understanding of its subtle power.
Am7 in Pop Music
The versatility of the Am7 chord truly shines in pop music, demonstrating its ability to enhance diverse musical moods.
In “Holocene” by Bon Iver, the Am7 chord subtly underscores the song’s poignant exploration of doubt and hope, adding to its emotional weight.
“More Than Words” by Extreme, a powerful acoustic ballad, showcases guitarist Nuno Bettencourt expertly weaving the Am7 into a progression that includes percussive strumming, enriching the song’s texture and emotional depth.
Beyond ballads, the Am7 chord can also contribute to upbeat and cheerful tunes. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys exemplifies this, where the Am7 adds a layer of harmonic interest to the song’s optimistic feel. Conversely, the Am7 can bring a touch of funk and grit, as heard in “Super Fly” by Curtis Mayfield, where it adds a sophisticated edge to the song’s groove.
Country Music and the Am7
Patsy Cline, a country music icon, possessed a distinctive and instantly recognizable sound. Her classic hit, “Crazy”, recorded in a single take, became one of her signature songs. The Am7 chord subtly enhances the song’s dreamy, vulnerable, and heart-wrenching atmosphere, contributing to its timeless emotional appeal.
Blues and the Am7 Chord
Louis Armstrong’s interpretation of “I’m In the Mood For Love” beautifully demonstrates the romantic potential of the Am7 chord, blending bluesy sensibilities with sentimental charm. The Am7 in this context evokes a smooth, sophisticated, and amorous mood.
In contrast, contemporary blues innovator Robert Cray utilizes the Am7 chord in a more rhythmically driven and sensual way in “Phone Booth.” Here, the Am7 is integrated into a beat-heavy groove, showcasing its versatility beyond ballads and slower tempos.
Expanding your guitar chord vocabulary to include the Am7 chord opens up new sonic possibilities and allows you to infuse your playing with greater emotional nuance. Experiment with the Am7 and discover how it can elevate your songwriting and guitar arrangements. To further enrich your guitar skills, consider exploring resources like Fender Play for more tips, techniques, and song tutorials. And if you’re eager to learn a wider range of chords, Fender Play’s comprehensive chord library offers extensive resources to master various chord types and techniques. For those new to the platform, sign up for a free Fender Play trial and embark on a journey of musical discovery.
