The Am7 chord, often called A minor 7 or Amin7, brings a unique flavor to guitar music. It’s known for creating a sense of tension and adding emotional depth to songs. Unlike simple major or minor chords, the Am7 possesses a more complex sound, sitting somewhere between happy and sad. This intriguing quality stems from its structure – a minor chord combined with a 7th interval.
This results in a versatile chord that can really make a song stand out. It adds a touch of bittersweetness, making your music more nuanced and engaging. Let’s dive deeper into the Am7 chord, learn how to play it in different positions, and explore its musical possibilities.
Easy Open Position Am7 Chord
If you’re already familiar with the basic Am chord on guitar, learning the Am7 will be a breeze! Think of the Am7 as a simplified and slightly modified version of the A minor. Both chords are played in standard E tuning and share many of the same notes, with one key difference that dramatically alters the chord’s character.
The Am chord typically uses the notes A, E, and B (among others in the open position), while the Am7 chord substitutes the B note with a G. This subtle change – swapping the “B” for an open “G” – is what gives the Am7 its distinctive sound. The notes in an open position Am chord are A, E, B, C, E. In contrast, the Am7 chord is composed of A, E, G, C, E.
To form the open position Am7 chord, start by placing your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string (the second string from the thinnest). Then, place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (the third string from the thickest).
- Index finger: 1st fret of the B string (2nd string)
- Middle finger: 2nd fret of the D string (4th string)
Diagram of the Am7 chord in open position, showing index finger on the 1st fret of the B string and middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string.
Strum downwards across five strings, starting from the A string (the fifth string from the thinnest). Avoid strumming the low E string (the thickest string) for this voicing.
Playing the Am7 Chord as a Barre Chord
For a different voicing and to play the Am7 chord higher up the guitar neck, you can use the barre chord shape in the 5th position. This is a movable chord shape, meaning you can shift it up and down the neck to play different minor 7th chords.
To play the Am7 barre chord in the 5th position:
- Index finger: Barre across the 5th fret, covering the low E (6th), A (5th), D (4th), G (3rd), B (2nd), and high E (1st) strings.
- Ring finger: Place on the 7th fret of the A string (5th string).
Diagram of the Am7 chord in barre form at the 5th position, showing the index finger barring across the 5th fret and the ring finger on the 7th fret of the A string.
Strum all six strings downwards from the low E string. This barre chord provides a fuller, richer sound compared to the open position Am7.
Understanding the Notes in an Am7 Chord
Despite the name “minor,” the Am7 chord doesn’t contain any flat notes in its standard voicing. However, the combination of notes creates its characteristic melancholic yet sophisticated sound. The notes that make up the Am7 chord are:
A, C, E, G
In the open position Am7 we discussed earlier, the notes are specifically voiced as:
A, E, G, C, E
When you strum the Am7 chord, you’re hearing these notes blend together, creating its distinctive and emotionally evocative sound. Remember to strike all strings except the low E string when playing the open position Am7 to achieve the correct voicing.
Popular Songs Featuring the Am7 Chord
The Am7 chord is a favorite among songwriters across various genres for its ability to add depth and emotion. While it might not be as ubiquitous as chords like E or G, the Am7 appears in many well-known songs, often in moments where a touch of sophistication or bittersweetness is desired. Training your ear to recognize the Am7 chord in songs will expand your musical understanding and appreciation.
Am7 in Pop Music
Pop music, known for its diverse emotional range, frequently utilizes the Am7.
“Holocene” by Bon Iver: This song beautifully showcases the Am7 chord to emphasize the push and pull between doubt and hope, creating a deeply moving atmosphere.
“More Than Words” by Extreme: Nuno Bettencourt masterfully incorporates the Am7 into the acoustic ballad’s chord progression. The song also features percussive strumming, where the guitarist taps the guitar body while strumming, adding rhythmic complexity without needing drums.
“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys: Demonstrates the Am7’s versatility by using it in a cheerful, upbeat context, proving its ability to contribute to positive emotions as well.
“Super Fly” by Curtis Mayfield: Here, the Am7 takes on a funkier, grittier role, adding a layer of cool sophistication to the song’s groove.
Am7 in Country Music
Even in country music, the Am7 finds its place, often adding to the genre’s storytelling and emotional depth.
“Crazy” by Patsy Cline: This classic Patsy Cline song, known for its dreamlike and vulnerable quality, uses the Am7 chord to enhance its mellow and heartbroken feel. The chord contributes to the song’s overall sense of gentle melancholy.
Am7 in Blues Music
The blues, with its rich emotional palette, also embraces the Am7 chord for both romantic and soulful expressions.
“I’m In the Mood For Love” by Louis Armstrong: Armstrong’s iconic rendition uses the Am7 to create a romantic and tender mood, showcasing the chord’s softer, more sentimental side.
“Phone Booth” by Robert Cray: Contemporary blues artist Robert Cray injects the Am7 into a more modern, beat-driven blues context, giving it a sexy and contemporary feel.
Expanding your guitar chord vocabulary to include the Am7 is a valuable step in your musical journey. Experiment with this chord, listen for it in your favorite songs, and discover how it can add a unique emotional dimension to your own playing.
To further enrich your guitar skills, explore Fender Play’s chord library to learn about different chord types and techniques. And if you’re ready to take your playing to the next level, sign up for a free trial of Fender Play for more lessons, tips, and song tutorials!
