Chords
Am7
The smooth, mellow minor-seventh.
A C E G · 1 ♭3 5 ♭7
A1
C♭3
E5
G♭7
Am7 softens a minor chord by adding a flat 7th. It is one of the most useful, easygoing chords on the guitar.
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Every voicing on the neck
The idea
A minor chord with a ♭7
Am7 is A C E G — an A minor triad plus the ♭7 (G). That extra note takes the edge off the minor chord and makes it smooth and open.
- Notes: R ♭3 5 ♭7 = A C E G.
- The ♭7 (G) is the mellow color tone.
- It sounds relaxed, not sad or tense.
Where it lives
The ii and vi of major keys
Am7 is the vi7 in C major and the ii7 in G major — the workhorse minor chord of jazz, soul and pop. It is the natural partner to Dm7 and G7.
- Use it as ii7 or vi7 in a major key.
- Central to the ii–V–I in G major.
- Swap a plain Am for Am7 for instant smoothness.
Add the flat 7th to a minor chord and it turns smooth, mellow and endlessly useful.
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