How to play A Major 7th on guitar
These shapes are for standard tuning (E A D G B E). The first is the easiest, and the others sit in different positions on the neck. Playing in another tuning? Pick it above the diagrams and the shapes are redrawn for it.
Shape 1: x02120
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2.
- Let the 5th, 1st strings ring open.
- Don't play the 6th string.
Shape 2: 502224
- Lay your index finger flat across the 2nd to 4th strings at fret 2 (a barre).
- Press the 6th string (E) at fret 5.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 4.
- Let the 5th string ring open.
Shape 3: 576655 (from fret 5)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 6th strings at fret 5 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 7.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 6.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 6.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the lowest (thickest) to the highest, with x meaning that string is not played and 0 meaning it rings open.
Notes in A Major 7th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| A | 1 (root) |
| C♯ | 3 |
| E | 5 |
| G♯ | 7 |
The formula for A Major 7th (major seventh) is 1 3 5 7: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use Amaj7
Major 7th chords sound smooth, warm and a little dreamy. You will find them in jazz, soul, bossa nova and mellow pop, usually as a richer substitute for a plain major chord.
Other A chords
A, Am, A7, Am7, Asus2, Asus4, A°, A+, Aadd9, A6, Aø7
Other major 7th chords on guitar
Cmaj7, D♭maj7, Dmaj7, E♭maj7, Emaj7, Fmaj7, F♯maj7, Gmaj7, A♭maj7, B♭maj7, Bmaj7
Frequently asked questions
How do you play A Major 7th on guitar?
The easiest Amaj7 shape on guitar is x02120 (Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2. Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1. Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2. Let the 5th, 1st strings ring open. Don't play the 6th string.)
What notes are in A Major 7th?
A Major 7th (Amaj7) contains the notes A C♯ E G♯. The formula is 1 3 5 7.
How many guitar shapes are there for Amaj7?
There are many. This page shows 3 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
See A Major 7th on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.