Guitar chord · Beginner
A major 7th chord (Amaj7) — guitar chord chart
Amaj7 is a major 7th chord built on A. Its notes are A, C♯, E, G♯. The major 7th, a half step under the root, gives a soft, dreamy shimmer heard in jazz, soul, bossa nova and lo-fi.
Amaj7 chord charts
Numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little). ○ open string, × don’t play. Low E string on the left.
How to play Amaj7
- Middle (2) on the 4th string, fret 2 (E).
- Index (1) on the 3rd string, fret 1 (A♭).
- Ring (3) on the 2nd string, fret 2 (C♯).
- Let strings 5, 1 ring open.
- Strum from the 5th string down; don’t play string 6.
- 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 5: same chord, higher voice, and a shape you can move all over the neck.
Notes in Amaj7
| Degree | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | root |
| 3 | C♯ | major 3rd |
| 5 | E | perfect 5th |
| 7 | G♯ | major 7th |
Progressions with Amaj7
Drill these changes with the chord-change trainer and read how to change chords faster.
FAQ
- What notes are in the Amaj7 chord?
- Amaj7 (A major 7th) has 4 notes: A, C♯, E, G♯.
- Is Amaj7 hard to play?
- No — the open-position shape needs no barre, so it’s a good beginner chord.
- What’s the difference between Amaj7 and A?
- A is A C♯ E. The major 7th, a half step under the root, gives a soft, dreamy shimmer heard in jazz, soul, bossa nova and lo-fi.