Ab7 Chord (Ab dominant 7th) on Guitar
Ab7 (Ab dominant 7th) is made of the notes Ab – C – Eb – Gb. The easiest guitar fingering is 464544 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Main shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play Ab7
- Press the 6th string (low E) at fret 4 (Ab).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 6 (Eb).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 4 (Gb).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 5 (C).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 4 (Eb).
- Press the 1st string (high e) at fret 4 (Ab).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | 4 | Ab | R |
| 5th string (A) | 6 | Eb | 5 |
| 4th string (D) | 4 | Gb | b7 |
| 3rd string (G) | 5 | C | 3 |
| 2nd string (B) | 4 | Eb | 5 |
| 1st string (high e) | 4 | Ab | R |
What is a Ab dominant 7th chord?
A dominant 7th chord adds a minor seventh to a major triad. It is the chord that naturally sits on the fifth degree of a major key.
Notes and formula. Ab7 contains Ab, C, Eb, Gb. Counted from the root Ab, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), b7 (minor 7th). It is also written G#7; the two names sound identical and the name used depends on the key of the song.
Sound. Bluesy and unresolved. It pulls strongly toward the chord a fourth above, which is why it feels like "the next chord is coming".
Where it is used. Dominant 7ths are the backbone of blues (every chord in a 12-bar blues can be a 7th), plus rock and roll, funk, jazz and country turnarounds.
Tips for playing Ab7
Most dominant 7th shapes are an open or barre major chord with one finger lifted or moved. Practise changing between the major and the 7th to hear the change.
Common mistake: Confusing the 7th with the major 7th. The dominant 7th is bluesy; the major 7th is smooth and dreamy.
Keys that contain Ab7
Ab7 is a diatonic chord, meaning it occurs naturally without accidentals, in these keys:
Try it in a progression: browse chord progressions for every key.
Scales to play over Ab7
Related chords
Ab7 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Ab7 chord?
Ab7 (Ab dominant 7th) contains the notes Ab, C, Eb, Gb. The formula is R–3–5–b7 relative to the root Ab.
How do you play Ab7 on guitar?
The most common shape for Ab7 is 464544, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Is Ab7 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Is Ab7 the same as G#7?
Yes. Ab and G# are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so Ab7 and G#7 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
Which keys contain Ab7?
Ab7 is a diatonic chord in C# major (V), Bb minor (VII).
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