All 4 ways to play A7 on guitar
-
x02020 open position -
x02223 open position -
x07989 open position -
575655 at the 5th fret
Diagrams: strings run from the lowest on the left; X = don't play, O = open string, numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger).
How to play A7 on guitar
Main shape: x02020 (open position).
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 2nd fret of the D (4th) string.
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 2nd fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Let the A (5th), G (3rd) and high E (1st) strings ring open (marked O).
- Don't play the low E (6th) string (marked X).
- Strum from the A (5th) string down (5 strings).
A7 notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| A | 1 | root |
| C♯ | 3 | major 3rd |
| E | 5 | perfect 5th |
| G | ♭7 | minor 7th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: A7/C♯ (1st inversion), A7/E (2nd inversion) and A7/G (3rd inversion).
A7 on piano and ukulele
-
A7 on piano A – C♯ – E – G -
A7 on ukulele 0100
Which keys use A7?
A7 is one of the basic chords of 2 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| D major | A7 | V7 | dominant |
| B minor | A7 | VII7 | dominant |
| D minor | A7 | V7 | dominant (harmonic minor) |
Progressions with A7
- ii–V–I in D major: Em7 – A7 – Dmaj7 A cadence that is extremely common in jazz.
- 12-bar blues in D major: D7 – D7 – D7 – D7 – G7 – G7 – D7 – D7 – A7 – G7 – D7 – A7 Twelve bars of I, IV and V with dominant 7th chords: one of the most prominent progressions in popular music.
- iiø–V–i in D minor: Em7♭5 – A7 – Dm7 The minor ii–V–i of jazz.