Amaj7 Chord on Guitar (A major seventh)
Amaj7 is a major seventh chord with a dreamy, warm and relaxed sound. It contains the notes A – C# – E – G# (major chord + major seventh). Below you will find 3 ways to play it on guitar.
How to play Amaj7
Position 1: x 0 2 1 2 0
- low E: don't play
- A: open
- D: fret 2
- G: fret 1
- B: fret 2
- high E: open
Position 2: 5 7 6 6 5 5
- low E: fret 5
- A: fret 7
- D: fret 6
- G: fret 6
- B: fret 5
- high E: fret 5
Position 3: x x 7 9 9 9
- low E: don't play
- A: don't play
- D: fret 7
- G: fret 9
- B: fret 9
- high E: fret 9
The first shape is an open chord: it uses open strings, so it is the easiest way to play Amaj7 and rings out the most. Strum only the strings that are not marked with an x.
Chord theory
A major seventh chord adds a major seventh (11 half steps above the root, one half step below the octave) to a major triad. The close distance between the seventh and the root gives it a floating, jazzy colour.
Degrees: 1 = A, 3 = C#, 5 = E, 7 = G#
Using Amaj7 in songs
Major sevenths are used on the 1st and 4th degrees of a major key. Try swapping a plain major chord for its maj7 version in a slow song to add warmth.