How to play the Am7 chord on guitar

The Am7 chord, pronounced "A minor seventh," is a versatile and widely used chord in various musical genres. It adds a melancholic and sophisticated flavor to progressions, making it popular in jazz, blues, and soul music. Notable songs featuring the Am7 chord include "Wonderwall" by Oasis and "Easy" by Commodores. Mastering the Am7 chord is essential for guitarists looking to expand their harmonic repertoire.

The Am7 chord is typically played on the first fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a Am7 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger on the first fret of the 2nd (B) string.
2. Place your middle finger on the second fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the second fret of the 3rd (G) string.

To strum the Am7 chord, use your pick or thumb to strum down across all strings, starting from the 5th (A) string. Avoid playing the 6th (low E) string for a cleaner sound.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Am7 chord, try playing an open Am7 chord instead. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and strum from the A string down to the high E string.

The Am7 barre chord is a useful alternative to the standard open chord shape, as it allows you to easily play the chord higher up the neck and create a fuller, more resonant sound.

Here's how to play an Am7 barre chord:

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

The Am7 chord is often used in progressions to add a melancholic or reflective feeling to a song. Here are some common chord progressions featuring Am7:

• i7 - iv7 - i7 - V7 (Am7 - Dm7 - Am7 - E7) Used in "Fly Me to the Moon" and "Autumn Leaves"
• vi7 - ii7 - V7 - I (Am7 - Dm7 - G7 - CMaj7) Used in "Girl from Ipanema"
• ii7 - V7 - I - vi7 (Dm7 - G7 - CMaj7 - Am7)
• i7 - iv7 - VII7 - III7 (Am7 - Dm7 - G7 - C7)
• i7 - v7 - i7 - IV7 (Am7 - Em7 - Am7 - D7)

To master the Am7 guitar chord, try playing the notes A, C, E, and G individually, focusing on each string's sound. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between these notes, gradually increasing your speed until you can play them together as a chord.

Alternatively, practice switching between Am7 and other chords you already know. Start with simple progressions like Am7 to Dmaj7, or Am7 to Em7. As you become more confident, incorporate Am7 into your favorite songs or create your own chord sequences to develop muscle memory and familiarity with the chord's sound.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Am7 chord.

1. Hey Soul Sister by Train (C, G, Am, F)
2. I'm Yours by Jason Mraz (C, G, Am, F)
3. Riptide by Vance Joy (Am, G, C, F)
4. Three Little Birds by Bob Marley (A, D, E)
5. Whiskey Lullaby by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss (Am, C, G, F)
6. Creep by Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm)
7. The A Team by Ed Sheeran (Am, C, G, F)
8. Fast Car by Tracy Chapman (Am, G, F, C)
9. 21 Guns by Green Day (Am, F, C, G)
10. All of Me by John Legend (Em, C, G, D, Am7)