A7 guitar chords

A - C# - E - G

A7 chords are dominant four-note chords which are derived from the A Major Scale.

Construction: root, a major third, a perfect fifth and a minor seventh.
A Major Scale: A - B - C# - D - E - F# - G#
Chord: A7
Formula: 1 - 3 - 5 - ♭7
Notes: A - C# - E - G

A7 - A seventh (1-3-5-b7)

Spelling: 1st(A), 3rd (C#), 5th(E), b7th(G)

Chart Legend

Numbered Circles: number inside circle indicates which finger to use
X: Don't play string
White Numbered Circles: Optional Notes
X on string with optional note: if you omit the note, don't play string
Unmarked strings: Play open
Barre Line: One finger holds down multiple strings
R: Root Note

TAB: Numbers represent frets - not finger positions
Blank Strings: Do not Play
0: play string open

1st

Written: x02020
Notes: x-A-E-G-C#-E
Form/chord shape: A7

TAB
e |-0-|
B |-2-|
G |-0-|
D |-2-|
A |-0-|
E |---|

1st

Written: x-0-2-2-2-3
Notes: x-A-E-A-C#-G
Form/chord shape: A

TAB
e |-3-|
B |-2-|
G |-2-|
D |-2-|
A |-0-|
E |---|

2nd

Written: 575655
Notes: A-E-G-C#-E-A
Form/chord shape: E7

TAB    
e |-5-|
B |-5-|
G |-6-|
D |-5-|
A |-7-|
E |-5-|

3rd

Written: x(12)-12-11-12-10-0
Notes: x(E)-A-C#-G-A-E
Form/chord shape: C7

TAB 
e |-0--|
B |-10-|
G |-12-|
D |-11-|
A |-12-|
E |(12)|

↓ A7 Guitar Chords

🎸 Why Don’t We Play the Low E String in the A7 Chord?

You might have heard the advice: “Don’t play the 6th string (low E) when strumming an A7 chord in first position.” But why?

📚 A Quick Look at the A7 Chord
The A7 chord contains four notes:

A (root)
C# (major 3rd)
E (perfect 5th)
G (minor 7th, also called the dominant 7th)

Each of these notes plays a role:

The root (A) anchors the chord.
The 5th (E) adds strength and stability.
The 7th (G) gives the chord its bluesy, dominant flavor.
The 3rd (C#) defines the major quality but is generally weaker in terms of harmonic pull.

🎵 First Position Voicings: With or Without the Low E?

There are two common ways to play A7 in open position:

1. Without the Low E (5-string version):

Notes: A - E - G - C# - E

Balance: Root-heavy with a nice mix — 1 root, 2 fifths, 1 third, 1 seventh
Sound: Clear and balanced
✅ Recommended

2. With the Low E (6-string version):

Notes: E - A - E - G - C# - E

Balance: Now we have 3 fifths (E notes) and only 1 root.
Sound: The added low E overpowers the root, making the chord sound muddy and less focused.
⚠️ Not ideal — especially when playing with others or in a recording.

🎧 Trust Your Ears

Strum both versions back to back. You’ll notice how the chord sounds tighter and more centered without that extra low E.

The low E isn’t a wrong note — it belongs to the chord — but its position in the bass shifts the balance too much toward the fifth, weakening the feel of A as the root.

🎯 General Tips for Building Chords That Sound Good

When voicing your own chords, especially 4-note or more extended shapes:

Aim for a balanced mix of chord tones.
Start with the root note in the bass whenever possible.
If the root isn’t available, the 5th is a safe backup.
The 7th (in 7th chords) adds tension and wants to resolve to the root — use it wisely.

trust your ears

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