Explore chords · Ukulele
A major 7th chord on ukulele (Amaj7)
Also called or written Amaj7 or AM7
A major 7th is built from A, C♯, E, and G♯. This 2nd-fret grip stretches the fretting hand across four frets, so it suits players comfortable with wide reaches.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, 5, 7
How do you play an A major 7th chord on ukulele?
A major 7th is played at the 2nd fret as 2 4 4 4: index finger on the G string at fret 2, middle finger on the C string at fret 4, ring finger on the E string at fret 4 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 4.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (1) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 2 | E (5) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 3 | G♯ (7) |
| 1 (A) | 4 | 4 | C♯ (3) |
AdvancedThe pinky must reach fret 4 on the A string while the index holds fret 2 on the G string, stretching the hand across four frets.
9th fret
A major 7th is played at the 9th fret as 9 9 9 11: barre your index finger across fret 9 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 11.
Full note and interval breakdown
| 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) | 11 | 4 | G♯ (7) |
Amaj7/C♯ inversion
A major 7th is played in open position as 1 1 0 0: index finger on the G string at fret 1 and middle finger on the C string at fret 1. The E and A strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (7) |
| 3 (C) | 1 | 2 | C♯ (3) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (5) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | A (1) |
Why it sounds like that
A major 7th stacks a major 3rd, perfect 5th, and major 7th above A. The major 7th interval is what separates it from A major, which stops at the perfect 5th.
What goes wrong with A major 7th?
- The pinky collapses onto the E string, deadening its note.
- The middle finger leans on the G string, causing a buzz at fret 2.
- The ring finger fails to press firmly, making the E string sound dull.
When to use it
A major 7th works as the I chord in A major, such as A–D–E–A (I–IV–V–I). It also fits the I–V–vi–IV progression A–E–F♯ minor–D. Use it for smooth jazz, neo-soul, or any setting that wants a warm, resolved major sound.
Changing to and from A major 7th
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 1st fret gives A♭ major 7th.
- From A major, lift the pinky and add the middle and ring fingers on fret 4 for A major 7th.
Which voicing to use
The 2nd fret voicing puts A in the bass for a root-position sound. The Amaj7/G♯ inversion at frets 1-1-0-0 places the leading tone in the bass, creating tension that pulls toward A major.
Other A chords
Common questions
How do I avoid muting the A string with my pinky?
Keep the pinky curved and press with its tip, not the flat pad. Position your thumb behind the neck for leverage, and check that the pinky clears the E string.
Why does the Amaj7/G♯ inversion sound unstable?
The bass note G♯ is the leading tone of A major, which strongly wants to resolve up to A. This inversion works best as a passing chord before A major.
Can I play A major 7th lower on the neck?
Yes, the Amaj7/G♯ inversion uses frets 1-1-0-0. It is easier to finger but has G♯ in the bass, so it sounds less settled than the root-position shape.