A Dominant 7th Guitar Chord (A7)
A Dominant 7th (A7) is built from A, C#, E, G, which is the 1P - 3M - 5P - 7m formula measured from the root A. This page shows 4 fingerings with fretboard diagrams.
Fingerings for A7
Notes in A7
- A1P
- C#3M
- E5P
- G7m
How to play A7
A Dominant 7th Guitar Chord (A7) is tense and unresolved, which is what makes it want to move.
Beginner tip
Mute the strings you do not play — a dominant seventh with a ringing open string loses its pull.
Practice idea
Resolve it down a fifth to the tonic and listen for the tension release.
A7 FAQ
- What notes are in A Dominant 7th?
- A Dominant 7th (A7) contains A, C#, E, G. In interval terms that is 1P - 3M - 5P - 7m above the root A.
- How do you play A7 on guitar?
- The most common shape here is "A7": low E muted, A open, D at fret 2, G open, B at fret 2, high E open.
- Is A7 hard for beginners?
- It sits in the seventh family. Mute the strings you do not play — a dominant seventh with a ringing open string loses its pull.