Also written A7, A or A Dominant 7th
A 7th contains A, C♯, E, and G. This open shape needs only one finger, but its reentrant G string makes the bass note C♯.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
A 7th is built from the formula 1, 3, 5, ♭7. The minor 7th interval from A to G gives the chord its dominant quality, and the diminished 5th between C♯ and G adds tension. Compare with A major to hear the difference.
A 7th is the V chord in D major, resolving to D major in progressions like D–G–A–D (I–IV–V–I). Use it in blues, folk, and rock to add a dominant pull. It also works over A major and A 5th riffs.
The open A7/C♯ inversion is the easiest shape and works well for quick changes. The 9th fret voicing has A in the bass and a fuller sound for strumming. The A7/E inversion at frets 2-4-3-4 puts E in the bass and suits fingerpicking.
A 7th is played in open position as 0 1 0 0: index finger on the C string at fret 1. The G, E and A strings ring open.
Tip — The open G string is a chord tone, so no muting is needed, but the index finger must fret the C string cleanly without touching the E string.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (♭7) |
| 3 (C) | 1 | 1 | C♯ (3) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (5) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | A (1) |
A 7th is played at the 2nd fret as 2 4 3 4: index finger on the G string at fret 2, ring finger on the C string at fret 4, middle finger on the E string at fret 3 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 4.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (1) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 3 | E (5) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (♭7) |
| 1 (A) | 4 | 4 | C♯ (3) |
A 7th is played at the 5th fret as 6 7 5 7: middle finger on the G string at fret 6, ring finger on the C string at fret 7, index finger on the E string at fret 5 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 7.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6 | 2 | C♯ (3) |
| 3 (C) | 7 | 3 | G (♭7) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 1 | A (1) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 4 | E (5) |
A 7th is played at the 9th fret as 9 9 9 10: barre your index finger across fret 9 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 10.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9 | 1 (barre) | E (5) |
| 3 (C) | 9 | 1 (barre) | A (1) |
| 2 (E) | 9 | 1 (barre) | C♯ (3) |
| 1 (A) | 10 | 4 | G (♭7) |
A 7th is played in open position as 0 4 5 4: index finger on the C string at fret 4, ring finger on the E string at fret 5 and middle finger on the A string at fret 4. The G string rings open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (♭7) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 1 | E (5) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 3 | A (1) |
| 1 (A) | 4 | 2 | C♯ (3) |
A 7th is written as A7. It is also called Dominant 7th or Major Minor 7th.
Its verified note order explains the sound without relying on outside harmony. The minor 7th gives A7 its dominant, bluesy tension. Amaj7 sounds smoother and more resolved.
The lowest sounding note is the C string at fret 1, which is C♯. The open G string is higher in pitch due to reentrant tuning. This makes the chord an inversion rather than root position.
Yes, A7 often substitutes for A major in blues and rock to add a dominant flavor. In D major progressions, A7 strengthens the pull back to D. In other contexts, the added G may clash with the melody.