Learn to Play the Basic Open 7th Chords on Guitar

Are you ready to take your guitar playing to the next level?

In this article, you’ll learn how to play the basic open 7th chords on guitar. These chords are a must-know for any aspiring guitarist as they add a rich and dynamic sound to your playing.

By incorporating 7th chords into your repertoire, you’ll be able to create more complex and interesting chord progressions.

So grab your guitar and let’s dive into the world of open 7th chords to enhance your playing and captivate your audience.

Key Takeaways

  • 7th chords have a 7th note of the scale in them
  • Dominant 7ths are the most common form of 7th chords
  • Major chords use the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of the scale
  • Dominant sevenths use the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and flat 7th notes of the scale

Different Types of 7th Chords

Now let’s dive into the different types of 7th chords that you can learn to play on the guitar.

One of the most common forms of 7th chords is the dominant 7th chord. Dominant 7th chords are constructed by using the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and flat 7th notes of the scale. They’re usually written with a ‘7’ and are commonly used in blues and rock music.

The E7 chord is an example of an open dominant 7th chord. It’s formed by playing the open E string, the 2nd fret of the A string, the open D string, the 1st fret of the G string, and the open B and high E strings.

Another open dominant 7th chord is the A7 chord, formed by playing the open A string, the 2nd fret of the D string, the open G string, the 2nd fret of the B string, and the open high E string.

The D7, C7, and G7 chords are also open dominant 7th chords commonly used in various genres of music.

Open Major Chords and Their Variations

You can learn to play open major chords and their variations on the guitar. Open major chords are commonly used in various genres of music and can add color and depth to your playing.

There are different fingerings for open major chords that you can explore to create different voicings and tones. For example, the E major chord can be played with the open E string, the 2nd fret of the A string, the open D string, the 1st fret of the G string, and the open B and high E strings.

The A major chord can be played with the open A string, the 2nd fret of the D string, the open G string, the 2nd fret of the B string, and the open high E string.

These open major chords can be used in common progressions to create beautiful melodies and harmonies on the guitar.

The E7 Chord

To play the E7 chord, simply place your fingers on the appropriate frets and strum the strings.

To form the E7 chord, start by placing your index finger on the 1st fret of the G string.

Next, place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string.

Finally, place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string.

Leave the other strings open and make sure to avoid touching them with your fingers.

Strum all the strings starting from the low E string.

The E7 chord is commonly used in blues and rock music to add a bluesy and gritty sound.

It’s often used as a substitute for the E major chord to create a more interesting and tension-filled progression.

The A7 Chord

The A7 chord is formed by placing your fingers on the appropriate frets and strumming the strings. There are different fingerings for the A7 chord, but the most common one is played by placing your first finger on the second fret of the D string, your second finger on the second fret of the B string, and leaving the other strings open.

This fingering allows you to easily transition between the A7 and other open chords. The A7 chord is commonly used in blues, rock, and jazz music. In blues, it’s often used to add a bluesy feel to a progression. In rock, it can be used to add some tension and color to a song. And in jazz, it’s used in various chord progressions and improvisations to create a jazzy sound.

The D7, C7, and G7 Chords

Now, let’s explore the D7, C7, and G7 chords and how to play them on the guitar.

The D7 chord is an open 7th chord commonly used in folk and country music. To play it, place your fingers on the open D string, the 2nd fret of the G string, the open B string, and the 3rd fret of the high E string.

The C7 chord is another open 7th chord often used in jazz and blues music. Form this chord by playing the open A string, the 3rd fret of the D string, the 2nd fret of the B string, and the 1st fret of the high E string.

Lastly, the G7 chord is an open 7th chord frequently used in blues and rock music. To play it, press down on the open G string, the 2nd fret of the A string, the 3rd fret of the B string, and the 3rd fret of the high E string.

These chords can add tension and color to your chord progressions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Common Music Genres That Use 7th Chords?

Different voicings of 7th chords in jazz include dominant 7ths, major 7ths, and minor 7ths. Famous songs that feature 7th chords are "All of Me" by John Legend and "Georgia on My Mind" by Ray Charles.

Can the Open 7th Chords Be Played in Different Positions on the Guitar Neck?

Open 7th chords can be played in different positions on the guitar neck, providing different fingerings. The advantages include versatility and the ability to create unique voicings. The disadvantages include complexity and the need for more finger strength and dexterity.

Are There Any Other Variations of the E7 Chord That Can Be Used?

Yes, there are alternate fingerings for the E7 chord on the guitar. One popular variation is playing the 7th fret of the A string, the 9th fret of the D string, and the 7th fret of the G string. It is used in songs like "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton.

How Can I Incorporate 7th Chords Into My Guitar Playing?

To incorporate 7th chords into your guitar playing, first master the finger placement for open 7th chords. Then, experiment with different music styles like blues, rock, jazz, folk, and country to explore their unique sounds and create tension in your progressions.

Are There Any Tips or Techniques for Playing Open 7th Chords Smoothly and Cleanly?

To play open 7th chords smoothly and cleanly, try these tips: 1) Focus on finger positioning, making sure each note is clear and distinct. 2) Experiment with different strumming techniques to find what feels comfortable and produces a clean sound.

Conclusion

In conclusion, learning to play the basic open 7th chords on guitar is a crucial step for any guitarist looking to take their playing to the next level.

These chords add depth and complexity to your music, allowing you to create more interesting chord progressions.

By incorporating the E7, A7, D7, and G7 chords into your repertoire, you’ll be equipped to play a wide range of genres and captivate your audience with the captivating sound of these essential chords.

Keep practicing and exploring new ways to incorporate these chords into your playing.

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