Am7 Chord
Smooth, funky, ubiquitous in soul and jazz — minor triad plus flat 7.
Am7
Notes in this voicing: A · E · G · C
Root
A
Quality
Minor 7th
Difficulty
Intermediate
Type
Extended
String-by-String Fingering
Low EX
Mute the Low E string so it does not ring.
AO
Play the A string open (A).
DFret 2
Fret the D string at fret 2 with your middle finger (E).
GO
Play the G string open (G).
BFret 1
Fret the B string at fret 1 with your index finger (C).
High EO
Play the High E string open (E).
Finger Number Legend
1Index
2Middle
3Ring
4Pinky
How to Play It
- Start your strum from the A string and avoid any strings marked X.
- Keep your fingertips close to the fret wire so the Am7 chord rings without buzz.
- Use as your default 'minor' voicing in modern styles.
- Roots on the 6th and 5th strings give you the two shapes you need.
Suggested Strumming Pattern
Down, down-up, pause, up-down-up; let the upper notes breathe instead of over-strumming.
Common Mistakes
- Muting the b7 by fretting too high on the neck.
- Strumming into muted strings instead of stopping at the first ringing string.
Songs That Use This Chord Type
- • Superstition — Stevie Wonder
- • Breezin' — George Benson
Alternative Shape
Try this movable version when you need a different neck position, a tighter rock rhythm sound, or a smoother transition from nearby barre chords.
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