The Am7 chord on the piano is an A minor 7th chord, precisely composed of the notes A, C, E, and G.
Understanding the Am7 Chord
An Am7 chord, also known as A Minor 7th, is a fundamental four-note chord widely used across various musical styles, from jazz and blues to pop and classical. It expands upon the basic A minor triad by incorporating a specific seventh interval, giving it a richer, more complex sound.
Notes of the Am7 Chord
To form an Am7 chord, you combine four specific notes. These notes are derived from the A natural minor scale, with the addition of the minor seventh interval.
- A (Root)
- C (Minor Third)
- E (Perfect Fifth)
- G (Minor Seventh)
Here's a breakdown of the notes and their relationship to the root:
| Component | Note | Interval from Root |
|---|---|---|
| Root | A | Root |
| Minor Third | C | Minor Third |
| Perfect Fifth | E | Perfect Fifth |
| Minor Seventh | G | Minor Seventh |
How the Am7 Chord is Constructed
The construction of an Am7 chord is straightforward:
- Start with the A minor triad: This foundational three-note chord consists of A, C, and E.
- Add a minor 7th above the root: The note G is exactly a minor seventh interval above A, completing the Am7 chord. This means the Am7 chord is made up of the A minor chord (A-C-E) plus a minor 7th above the root (G).
Playing the Am7 Chord on Piano
To play an Am7 chord in its most common root position on the piano, you would simultaneously press these four notes:
- Left Hand: You could typically use your pinky finger on A, middle finger on C, thumb on E, and index finger on G (or a comfortable variation).
- Right Hand: A common fingering would be your thumb on A, index finger on C, middle finger on E, and pinky finger on G.
Experimenting with different inversions (rearranging the order of the notes) can also change the chord's voicing and feel, providing further musical possibilities.
