Read left to right, 6th string to 1st: a number is a fret, 0 is an open string, x is a string you do not play.
- Index finger on the 1st fret of the B string (2nd).
- Middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th).
- Let the A, G and high E strings ring open.
- Do not play the low E string: start the strum from the A string.
String by string
What each string does in this shape, and which note of the chord it sounds. This is what to listen for when you pluck them one at a time.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note | In the chord |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6th (low E) | not played | β | β | β |
| 5th (A) | open | β | A2 | root |
| 4th (D) | fret 2 | middle | E3 | fifth |
| 3rd (G) | open | β | G3 | flat seventh |
| 2nd (B) | fret 1 | index | C4 | minor third |
| 1st (high E) | open | β | E4 | fifth |
One string at a time: a chord strummed into a microphone is several notes at once, and a single string is something the page can hear exactly. A string in tune but on the wrong fret, or deadened by the finger beside it, shows up here and not on a tuner. Tap a string to check it again.
3 other ways to play Am7
The same 4 notes, somewhere else on the neck. A different shape puts a different note on top, so each one colours the chord slightly differently β and one of them is usually nearer the chord you are coming from.
- 575555A barre at the 5th fret and one more finger
- xx7988A shape at the 7th fret Β· four fingers
- x05553A shape at the 3rd fret Β· four fingers
Holding it cleanly
3 strings ring open next to fretted ones. Arch the fingers so they come down on their tips β a finger lying flat will deaden the open string beside it, and the chord loses a note without sounding obviously wrong.
The lowest string is left out, because its open note is not in the chord. Aim the strum to start below it, or let the tip of a fretting finger rest against the unwanted string to keep it quiet.
The notes in Am7
A minor seventh chord is built from the root (1), β3, 5 and β7 of its rootβs major scale. From A that gives A β C β E β G. A minor chord with a flattened seventh: mellow rather than sad, and the usual ii chord of a major key.
The same root, other chords: A major, Am, A7, Amaj7, Asus2, Asus4, Adim, Aaug.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in a Am7 chord?
A minor seventh is four notes: A β C β E β G β the root, β3, 5 and β7 of the A major scale. On guitar the shape x02010 sounds A2, E3, G3, C4 and E4, so some of those notes appear more than once.
What is the easiest way to play Am7 on guitar?
The usual shape is x02010 β an open-position shape, with two fingers. It is already about as easy as this chord gets.
What is the difference between Am7 and Am?
Am7 is Am with one more note, a flattened seventh (G). It can nearly always stand in for Am and sounds a little warmer and less final.