How to play the Amaj7 chord on guitar

The Amaj7 chord, pronounced "A major seventh," is a versatile and harmonically rich guitar chord. It consists of the notes A, C#, E, and G#, adding a dreamy, slightly jazzy flavor to the standard A major triad. This chord is commonly used in genres like jazz, R&B, and neo-soul, and can often be heard in popular songs to add a sophisticated, mellow vibe.

The Amaj7 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 5th fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a Amaj7 chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across all six strings at the 5th fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 4th (D) string.

To strum this chord, play all six strings together in a downward motion, ensuring that each string rings out clearly.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Amaj7 chord, try this:

1. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 4th (D) string.
2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Leave the 2nd (B) and 1st (high E) strings open.
4. Strum from the 4th string down.

The barre chord version of Amaj7 is useful when you need a fuller, more robust sound or want to easily transition between other barre chords.

Here's how to play an Amaj7 barre chord:

1. Barre your index finger across the 5th fret, covering all six strings.
2. Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum from the 5th (A) string down to the 1st (high E) string.

The Amaj7 chord is often used in progressions to create a feeling of warmth, sophistication, and resolution. It frequently appears at the end of a progression, providing a sense of closure and emotional satisfaction. Here are some common Amaj7 chord progressions:

• I - vi - ii - V7 (Amaj7 - F#m7 - Bm7 - E7) Used in "Fly Me to the Moon" and "Autumn Leaves"
• ii - V7 - I - vi (Bm7 - E7 - Amaj7 - F#m7)
• I - iii - vi - II7 (Amaj7 - C#m7 - F#m7 - B7) Used in "Girl from Ipanema"
• vi - ii - V7 - I (F#m7 - Bm7 - E7 - Amaj7)
• iii - vi - ii - V7 (C#m7 - F#m7 - Bm7 - E7)

To master the Amaj7 chord, try playing each note individually, focusing on clean execution. Strum the chord slowly, ensuring each note rings out clearly.

Another effective drill is to practice transitioning smoothly between Amaj7 and other chords like Dmaj7 or F#m7. Work on switching chords rhythmically, maintaining a steady tempo. With consistent practice, you'll build muscle memory and fluidity in your chord changes.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Amaj7 chord.

1. Wonderwall by Oasis (Chords: Em7, G, Dsus4, Amaj7, Cadd9)
2. Blackbird by The Beatles (Chords: G, A, Amaj7, D, C, Em, Dm)
3. More Than Words by Extreme (Chords: G, Cadd9, Am7, Amaj7, Dsus4, D)
4. Dust in the Wind by Kansas (Chords: C, Amaj7, Dmaj7, G)
5. Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (Chords: Em7, G, Amaj7, Em7, G, A7sus4, Em7, A7sus4, Amaj7, G)
6. Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton (Chords: A, E, D, F#m, C#m, Bm, Amaj7)
7. Landslide by Fleetwood Mac (Chords: Amaj7, Dmaj7, E, F#m7, G)
8. Name by Goo Goo Dolls (Chords: D, Dsus4, Amaj7, Bm)
9. Fast Car by Tracy Chapman (Chords: C, G, Em, D, Am, Amaj7)
10. Who Says by John Mayer (Chords: G, Amaj7, C, Cm)