The A7 guitar chord (A dominant seventh) is a versatile and expressive chord used across genres like blues, jazz, country, and rock. Its unique, slightly bluesy tone adds richness and tension to chord progressions, making it a favorite for many guitarists.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to play the A7 chord, its variations, and tips to master it.
What is the A7 Guitar Chord?
The A7 chord is a dominant seventh chord, made up of four notes:
- A (the root note)
- C# (the major third)
- E (the perfect fifth)
- G (the minor seventh)
This combination gives the chord its characteristic sound: bright, yet with a hint of tension that resolves beautifully in progressions.
How to Play the A7 Guitar Chord
Standard Open Position
The most common way to play the A7 chord is in its open position:
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D string).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string (B string).
- Leave the other strings (A, G, high E) open.
- Strum from the 5th string (A string) down to the high E string.
A7 Barre Chord Variations
Once you’re comfortable with the open A7 chord, try these barre chord variations:
A7 (5th Fret Barre Chord)
- Barre all six strings on the 5th fret using your index finger.
- Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 5th string (A string).
- Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string (G string).
- Strum all six strings.
A7 (12th Fret Shape)
- Use your index finger to barre all strings on the 12th fret.
- Add your ring finger to the 14th fret of the A string and your middle finger to the 13th fret of the G string.
Common A7 Variations
- A7sus4: Replace the C# note with a D by placing your pinky on the 3rd fret of the B string. This adds a suspended, unresolved sound.
- A9: Add your pinky to the 4th fret of the high E string to expand the A7 chord into a ninth chord.
- A13: Add the 3rd fret of the high E string for a jazzy, rich sound.
- A7#5: Sharpen the fifth note (E to F) to create a unique, bluesy tension.
Common Chord Progressions Featuring A7
The A7 chord is often used as a dominant chord to resolve back to the tonic (key center). Here are some examples:
- A7 – D – E7 (Blues Progression)
- A7 – D7 – G7 – C (Circle of Fifths)
- A7 – E7 – B7 – A7 (Classic Rock or Blues Progression)
Popular Songs That Use the A7 Guitar Chord
The A7 chord can be heard in many iconic tracks. Here are some examples:
- “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley
- “Sweet Home Chicago” by Robert Johnson
- “Hey Joe” by Jimi Hendrix
Tips for Practicing the A7 Guitar Chord
- Focus on Clarity: Make sure all the strings ring out clearly, especially in the open position.
- Switch Between Chords: Practice transitioning between A7 and other chords like D7, E7, and G7 to improve fluidity.
- Experiment with Strumming: Try different strumming patterns to explore the chord’s versatility.
- Practice Variations: Work on barre chord and alternate shapes to expand your skillset.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Muted Strings: Ensure your fingers don’t accidentally mute the open strings (A, G, high E).
- Weak Barre Technique: For barre chord versions, press firmly and evenly across all strings.
- Incorrect Finger Placement: Place your fingers just behind the frets for the best sound.
Related Chords to A7
- A Major (A): A simpler version of A7 without the added G note.
- D7: Commonly paired with A7 in progressions.
- E7: Another dominant seventh chord that complements A7 well.
Conclusion
The A7 guitar chord is an essential part of any guitarist’s repertoire. Its rich, dynamic sound works beautifully in blues, jazz, and beyond. Whether you’re strumming in open position or exploring barre chord shapes, mastering A7 will unlock new dimensions in your playing.
Keep practicing, experiment with variations, and enjoy the journey!