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, slightly edgy sound thanks to its C# note. This versatile chord pops up across genres, adding a distinctive flavor whether you’re strumming it low or high on the neck. Let’s dive into learning this essential chord and explore how you can use it in your playing.
Two Simple Ways to Play the A7 Guitar Chord
Good news for beginners! There are two primary ways to play the A7 chord, both relatively easy to grasp using standard E tuning.
Open Position A7 Chord
The first A7 chord shape is played in the open position, making it very accessible. Simply place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the B string.
- Middle Finger: 2nd fret of the D (4th) string
- Ring Finger: 2nd fret of the B (2nd) string
Strum down from the A string, including the top five strings.
This open A7 chord provides a full and resonant sound, perfect for rhythm guitar parts and strumming along to songs.
Barre Chord A7 (6th Fret)
The second version of the A7 chord is a movable barre chord shape, positioned higher up the neck. This one requires a bit more finger dexterity. Barre your index finger across all strings at the 6th fret. Then, place your middle finger on the 7th fret of the D string and your pinky finger on the 8th fret of the B string.
- Index Finger: Barre across all strings at the 6th fret
- Middle Finger: 7th fret of the D (4th) string
- Pinky Finger: 8th fret of the B (2nd) string
Strum down just the top three strings, starting from the D string.
This higher position A7 chord offers a brighter, more cutting tone, ideal for lead lines or adding variation to your chord progressions. It’s also a movable shape, meaning you can shift this same finger pattern up and down the neck to play other 7th chords.
Songs Featuring the Versatile A7 Chord
The A7 chord is a workhorse in popular music, appearing in countless songs across diverse genres. Recognizing it in your favorite tunes is a great way to train your ear and understand its musical context.
Rock Anthems
From the early days of rock and roll to modern hits, the A7 chord has left its mark. Listen to “Peggy Sue” by Buddy Holly, a classic rockabilly track, to hear the A7 in action. The Beatles also incorporated the A7 into their early hit, “I Saw Her Standing There,” demonstrating its versatility even within the rock genre. For a later example, The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” uses the A7 to create a powerful bridge section.
Folk and Traditional Music
The A7’s slightly yearning quality makes it a natural fit for folk music. The timeless hymn “Amazing Grace,” a staple in folk and gospel traditions, beautifully incorporates the A7 chord.
Pop Sensations
Pop music, known for catchy hooks and memorable progressions, also utilizes the A7. Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock and Roll,” featured the A7 in pop-infused hits like “Heartbreak Hotel” and “That’s All Right.” Moving into the Motown era, Diana Ross and the Supremes’ iconic song, “Baby Love,” and Martha Reeves & the Vandellas’ energetic “Dancing in the Streets” both showcase the A7’s pop sensibilities.
Country Classics
The blend of optimism and a touch of melancholy in the A7 chord resonates perfectly with the themes often found in country music. Listen to Roy Rogers and Dale Evans’ signature tune, “Happy Trails,” for a classic country example. More introspective country songs like Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried” and Patsy Cline’s dreamy “Walkin’ After Midnight” also effectively use the A7 chord.
Bluesy Grooves
The A7 chord is a fundamental element in blues music. Blues legend John Lee Hooker frequently employed the A7, as heard in tracks like “Blues Before Sunrise” and “Boom Boom”. Stevie Ray Vaughan’s powerful blues-rock anthem, “Crossfire,” also relies on the tension and release that the A7 chord provides. You can also hear it in blues standards like Freddie King’s “I’m Tore Down,” and B.B. King’s insightful “Why I Sing the Blues.”
Practice Makes Perfect
Whether you prefer the open position or the barre chord A7, consistent practice is key to mastering it. Experiment with both shapes, listen for the A7 chord in your favorite songs, and start incorporating it into your own playing. The more you use the A7 guitar chord, the more natural and intuitive it will become.
To expand your chord vocabulary, explore online guitar chord resources and consider a structured learning platform. Happy playing!
