Amaj7 Guitar Chord
Amaj7 is the A major seventh chord. It has four notes: A, C♯, E and G♯. The open shape could hardly be easier: play a normal open A, then move the finger on the G string down one fret. That single move gives the chord its soft, dreamy character.
The open A shape with the G string finger dropped to the 1st fret. Three fingers close together, two open strings ringing.
How to play Amaj7, step by step
- Index finger: 1st fret, G string
- Middle finger: 2nd fret, D string
- Ring finger: 2nd fret, B string
- Leave the A and high E strings open. Strum from the A string down, skipping the low E.
Once this feels easy, try the compact shape at fret 5. It is movable, so the same grip gives you every other maj7 chord up the neck.
More ways to play Amaj7
There are 2 common Amaj7 shapes in total: the standard one at the top of the page, plus these, easiest first. You only ever need one. Tap any card to hear it.
Darker and more even than the open shape, since nothing rings open.
Songs that use the Amaj7 chord
If Amaj7 sounds muffled
- Open high E sounds dead
- The ring finger on the B string is probably leaning into it. Curl it so it presses straight down with the tip.
- G string buzzes at the 1st fret
- The 1st fret sits far from your hand's natural position. Slide the index right up against the fret wire and press with the very tip.
- Low E rings into the chord
- The low E is not part of Amaj7. Start your strum from the A string, or let your thumb hang over the top to touch it quiet.
What makes it an Amaj7
A · C♯ · E · G♯ 1 3 5 7
Amaj7 is a major seventh chord: an A major triad (A, C♯, E) plus a major seventh (G♯). That G♯ sits one fret below the root, and the near miss between the two notes is what gives maj7 chords their soft, floating sound. Amaj7 is the home chord (I) of the key of A and the IV chord in the key of E, so it turns up wherever those keys want a gentler color than the plain major.
A vs Amaj7
A major has three notes; Amaj7 swaps one doubled note for a G♯. On guitar the two open shapes differ by a single finger: the G string moves from the 2nd fret down to the 1st. A sounds solid and settled, Amaj7 sounds softer and more wistful. If a mellow song feels too plain on A, try Amaj7 in its place and listen.
Amaj7 chord questions
Is Amaj7 a hard chord?
No. The open shape uses three fingers and no barre, and most players find it no harder than plain A. The awkward part is only remembering which finger drops to the 1st fret.
What is the difference between Amaj7 and A7?
One note. A7 has a G natural (the flat seventh) and sounds tense, like it wants to move to D. Amaj7 has a G♯ (the major seventh) and sounds calm and settled. They are not interchangeable.
What is the difference between A and Amaj7?
Amaj7 adds a G♯ to the three notes of A major. The shape changes by one finger and the sound turns softer and dreamier.
Do you strum all six strings in Amaj7?
No. Skip the low E; it is not part of the chord. Strum from the open A string down.
What keys use Amaj7?
It is the I chord of A major and the IV chord of E major. In both keys it can replace the plain A whenever you want a softer color.
Chords to learn next
Other A chords
Amaj7 guitar chord chart (x02120) from melodician.com