How to play

How to play the Amaj7 chord on guitar

Learn the Amaj7 chord, featured in hits like "Wonderwall" and "Hey Jude."

The Amaj7 chord

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.

There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common Amaj7 chord. We've also included other versions below.

Amaj7 guitar chord diagram

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Finger placement for Amaj7 chord

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.

Amaj7 guitar chord with finger positions

How to play an easy Amaj7 chord on guitar

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.

How to play a Amaj7 bar chord

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.

Common Amaj7 chord progressions

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)

Drills to master the Amaj7 chord

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.

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Songs that feature the Amaj7 chord

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)

How a guitar teacher can help

If you feel stuck in your playing, it might help to take personalized guitar lessons with an expert guitarist. Taking lessons with a pro gives you access to the skills, feedback, and motivation to reach your goals.

You can find expert guitar teachers to support you in the journey. Thousands of people have turned to online guitar lessons on Til, instead of traditional in-person lessons, because Til gives you access to the best teachers in the world from the comfort of home. And with flexible scheduling, secure payments, lesson recordings, and a private chat with your teacher–there’s never been a better way to learn guitar.

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