A♭ 7th chord on ukulele (A♭7)

Why it sounds like that

A♭ 7th uses the formula 1, 3, 5, ♭7. The minor 7th interval from A♭ to G♭ gives the chord its dominant quality. Compare it to A♭ major, which raises the ♭7 to a major 7th.

What goes wrong with A♭ 7th?

• Letting the pinky collapse and mute the C string next to it.
• Pressing the middle finger too flat, which deadens the C string.
• Strumming the G string too hard and buzzing the index finger.

When to use it

A♭ 7th functions as the V chord in C♯ major, resolving to C♯ major. It suits blues, funk, and rock for a strong dominant pull. In the I–IV–V–I progression in C♯ major, A♭ 7th is the V chord.

Changing to and from A♭ 7th

• Move to A 7th by sliding the whole shape up one fret, keeping all fingers in place.
• Move to B♭ 7th by sliding the whole shape up two frets, keeping all fingers in place.

Which voicing to use

The 1st fret voicing puts A♭ in the bass for a root-position sound. The A♭7/E♭ inversion at the 8th fret places E♭ in the bass, giving a second-inversion feel. Choose the root position for a solid foundation, or the E♭ inversion for a lighter, more open sound.