A7 guitar chord
The A7 chord (A dominant 7th) is built from the notes A, C#, E and G, formula 1–3–5–b7. It appears in D major (as V7).
- Notes
- A C# E G
- Type
- dominant 7th
- Level
- Beginner
OpenShape 1 of 4
x02020How to play A7
The standard open A7 shape is x02020. It needs 2 fingers and stays in the first few frets, so it is one of the chords most players learn early.
Bluesy and restless. A dominant 7th wants to resolve to the chord a fourth above it.
Other ways to play it
Songs with A7
- In the GardenGCD7A7
- Leaning on the Everlasting ArmsGCA7D7
- What a Friend We Have in JesusGCDA7
- Battle Hymn of the RepublicGCA7D7Em
- Hark! The Herald Angels SingGDA7CAm
- Home on the RangeGCA7D7Em
- Take Me Out to the Ball GameCG7A7DmD7
- The Old Rugged CrossGG7CA7D7
Questions
What notes are in the A7 chord?
A7 contains A, C#, E and G. Its formula is 1–3–5–b7.
Is A7 hard to play on guitar?
No. The open shape (x02020) is beginner-friendly and doesn't need a barre.
What can I play instead of A7?
A is the closest simpler chord. It keeps the same root and basic character, so it works when A7 is too hard or too busy.
What songs use the A7 chord?
In our songbook, In the Garden, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, What a Friend We Have in Jesus and 7 more songs use A7.