If you know how to play a regular A major chord, you already have a leg up in learning the A7 chord. (If you don’t, no problem, check out our handy lesson on how to play the A major chord.) A7 is similar, you just take your 2nd finger off.
A7 is also known as the A dominant 7th chord or A Dom. Other dominant 7th chords are B7, C7, D7, E7, F7, and G7.
How to Play the A7 Chord
This chord is very beginner friendly and it sounds great! You’ll need 2 fingers and you’ll also be playing 2 open chords. It’s one of the first chords many new guitars learn.
Once you know it, you’ll be able to play a wide variety of popular songs from the very beginner friendly “This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land” by Woody Guthrie to “Satisfaction” by the Rolling Stones to the ultimate chill classic “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffet. Yes, a whole new range of songs await!
In order to play A7, you’ll only need 2 fingers. Place your 1st finger on the 4th string of the 2nd fret. Your 2nd finger goes on the 2nd finger of that same 2nd fret.
You’ll strum strings 2 through 5. Here’s what it looks like:
Barre Chord Variation
If you’re feeling adventure, try this barre chord version of A7. Your 1st finger will barre the strings of the 5th fret.
Place your 2nd finger on the 3rd string of the 6th fret. Your 3rd finger goes on the 5th string of the 7th fret. Finally, stretch your 4th finger all the way over to the 8th fret and press down the 2nd string to complete this chord.
You’ll strum all the strings, and voila!
One More Version to Try
If barre chords aren’t your thing, feel free to use this variation of A7 – you’ll only need 3 fingers and 3 strings.
Move up to the 6th fret to start – you’ll 1st finger will go on the 3rd string. Then comes your 2nd finger, that goes on the 4th string of the 7th fret. Lastly, the 8th fret is home to your 3rd finger (on the 2nd string).
Here’s how all that looks in our handy chord diagram:
With these 3 different voicings of the A7 chord, you’re sure to find one that fits your skill level and the sound you’re looking for.
Songs Using A7
Now that you know the A7 chord, you can play a wide variety of songs such as:
- “Gimme One Reason” by Tracy Chapman
- “Satisfaction” by Rolling Stones
- “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffet
- “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” by Deep Blue Something
- “This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land” by Woody Guthrie
