Amaj7 Chord (A major 7th) on Guitar
Amaj7 (A major 7th) is made of the notes A – C# – E – G#. The easiest guitar fingering is x02120 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play Amaj7
- Play the 5th string (A) open (A).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2 (E).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1 (G#).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2 (C#).
- Play the 1st string (high e) open (E).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 0 (open) | A | R |
| 4th string (D) | 2 | E | 5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 1 | G# | 7 |
| 2nd string (B) | 2 | C# | 3 |
| 1st string (high e) | 0 (open) | E | 5 |
What is a A major 7th chord?
A major 7th chord adds a major seventh, one half step below the root, on top of a major triad.
Notes and formula. Amaj7 contains A, C#, E, G#. Counted from the root A, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 7 (major 7th).
Sound. Smooth, lush and slightly dreamy. It is a major chord with extra sophistication and none of the bluesy tension of a dominant 7th.
Where it is used. Common in soul, jazz, bossa nova, R&B, indie and acoustic pop, usually on the I and IV chords of a major key.
Tips for playing Amaj7
Play it softly with your thumb or a light pick attack. Maj7 chords sound best when the notes ring together without being strummed hard.
Common mistake: Strumming every string with force. Some shapes include a close interval (a half step) between two strings that sounds harsh if hit too hard.
Keys that contain Amaj7
Amaj7 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 Amaj7
Related chords
Amaj7 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Amaj7 chord?
Amaj7 (A major 7th) contains the notes A, C#, E, G#. The formula is R–3–5–7 relative to the root A.
How do you play Amaj7 on guitar?
The most common shape for Amaj7 is x02120, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is Amaj7 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Which keys contain Amaj7?
Amaj7 is a diatonic chord in E major (IV), A major (I), C# minor (VI), F# minor (III).
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