Also written Am7 or Amin7
A minor 7th is built from A, C, E, and G. The open-string voicing is a first-position grip that suits quick changes.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
A minor 7th uses the formula 1, ♭3, 5, ♭7. The minor 3rd between A and C gives the chord its minor quality, and the minor 7th from A to G adds the seventh. Compare it to A minor, which drops the G.
A minor 7th works as the vi chord in C major, appearing in progressions like C–G–Am–F (I–V–vi–IV). It suits folk, pop, and gentle strumming patterns.
The open voicing has C in the bass, making it an Am7/C inversion. For a root-position sound, use the 8th fret shape with A in the bass.
A minor 7th is played in open position as 0 0 0 0. The G, C, E and A strings ring open.
Tip — The open voicing is easy, but the 8th fret position demands a stretch from the 8th to 10th fret.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (♭7) |
| 3 (C) | open | — | C (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (5) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | A (1) |
A minor 7th is played at the 2nd fret as 2 4 3 3: index finger on the G string at fret 2, pinky finger on the C string at fret 4, middle finger on the E string at fret 3 and ring finger on the A string at fret 3.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (1) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 4 | E (5) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (♭7) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 3 | C (♭3) |
A minor 7th is played at the 5th fret as 5 7 5 7: index finger on the G string at fret 5, ring finger on the C string at fret 7, middle finger on the E string at fret 5 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 7.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5 | 1 | C (♭3) |
| 3 (C) | 7 | 3 | G (♭7) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 2 | A (1) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 4 | E (5) |
A minor 7th is played at the 8th fret as 9 9 8 10: middle finger on the G string at fret 9, ring finger on the C string at fret 9, index finger on the E string at fret 8 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 10.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9 | 2 | E (5) |
| 3 (C) | 9 | 3 | A (1) |
| 2 (E) | 8 | 1 | C (♭3) |
| 1 (A) | 10 | 4 | G (♭7) |
A minor 7th is played at the 12th fret as 12 12 12 12: barre your index finger across fret 12.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 12 | 1 (barre) | G (♭7) |
| 3 (C) | 12 | 1 (barre) | C (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | 12 | 1 (barre) | E (5) |
| 1 (A) | 12 | 1 (barre) | A (1) |
A minor 7th is written as Amin7 or Am7.
A minor 7th adds the note G to the A minor triad. The extra note creates a softer, more colorful sound.
Yes, the 12th fret position uses a barre across all strings. The open position is easier for beginners.