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Guitar chord · Very easy

A 7th chord (A7) — guitar chord chart

A7 is a dominant 7th chord built on A. Its notes are A, C♯, E, G. The flat 7th adds tension that wants to resolve, which is why dominant 7th chords drive blues and lead back to the home chord.

A7 chord charts

A7 — Open position×○○○12EADGBe
Open position
A7 — Open position×○1234EADGBe
Open position
A7 — E shape · fret 55321EADGBe
E shape · fret 5

Numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little). ○ open string, × don’t play. Low E string on the left.

How to play A7

  1. Index (1) on the 4th string, fret 2 (E).
  2. Middle (2) on the 2nd string, fret 2 (C♯).
  3. Let strings 5, 3, 1 ring open.
  4. Strum from the 5th string down; don’t play string 6.
  5. Pick the strings one at a time: each note should ring clearly — if one buzzes, move that finger closer to the fret.

Once the open shape is comfortable, try the barre version at fret 2: same chord, higher voice, and a shape you can move all over the neck.

Notes in A7

DegreeNoteInterval
1Aroot
3C♯major 3rd
5Eperfect 5th
♭7Gminor 7th

Progressions with A7

12-bar blues in A

4 bars I7, 2 bars IV7, 2 bars I7, V7–IV7, I7–V7.

V7–I resolving to D
ii–V7–I in D

Drill these changes with the chord-change trainer and read how to change chords faster.

FAQ

What notes are in the A7 chord?
A7 (A 7th) has 4 notes: A, C♯, E, G.
Is A7 hard to play?
No — the open-position shape needs no barre, so it’s a good beginner chord.
What’s the difference between A7 and A?
A is A C♯ E. The flat 7th adds tension that wants to resolve, which is why dominant 7th chords drive blues and lead back to the home chord.