Amaj7 Chord Guide

This page dives into the Amaj7 major seventh chord for guitar — voicings, compatible scales and modes, plus where it adds that shimmering, sophisticated warmth in iconic songs. Amaj7 (A • C# • E • G#) delivers a bright, elegant glow with a dreamy, almost floating quality — perfect for everything from classic rock ballads to jazzy bossa and modern indie vibes.

Chord Voicings & Tablature

Here are some of the most useful ways to play Amaj7 across the neck

Open position (x02120)

Barre shape (576655)

Sweet Alternative (x02100)

Jazz grip (5x665x)

Scales & Modes That Fit Perfectly

Amaj7 lives happily in A major territory thanks to that major seventh (G#). Here are the essentials — play these over it and you'll sound right at home. Easy ascending tabs included.

Major Family Modes

• A Ionian (Major): A B C# D E F# G# A
  

  
  e|----------------------------4-5--|
  B|------------------------5-7------|
  G|------------------4-6-7----------|
  D|------------4-6-7----------------|
  A|------4-5-7----------------------|
  E|--5-7----------------------------|

• D Lydian: D E F# G# A B C# D
  

  
  e|----------------------4-5-7-8-10--|
  B|------------------5-7-------------|
  G|------------4-6-7-----------------|
  D|------4-6-7-----------------------|
  A|--5-7-----------------------------|
  E|----------------------------------|

• A Major Pentatonic (safe and sweet): A B C# E F#
  

  
  e|-------------------5-7-9-
  B|---------------5-7-------
  G|-----------6-9-----------
  D|-------7-9---------------
  A|---7-9-------------------
  E|-------------------------
          

• A Major Bebop (jazz favorite): Adds the major 7 (G#) for that classic jazz line.
  

  
  e|---------------------4-5-7-9-
  B|-----------------5-7---------
  G|-------------4-6-------------
  D|-------4-6-7-----------------
  A|---5-7-----------------------
  E|-----------------------------
          

Minor Family Modes

• B Dorian: B C# D E F# G# A B
  

  
  e|-----------------------------5-7--|
  B|-------------------------7-9------|
  G|-------------------6-7-9----------|
  D|-------------6-7-9----------------|
  A|---------7-9----------------------|
  E|--7-9-10--------------------------|

• C# Phrygian: C# D E F# G# A B C#
  

  
  e|------------------------4-5-7-9--|
  B|--------------------5-7----------|
  G|--------------4-6-7--------------|
  D|--------4-6-7--------------------|
  A|--4-5-7--------------------------|
  E|---------------------------------|

Amaj7 in Legendary Songs

The rich, extended harmony of Am9 appears in jazz standards, soul classics, and modern tracks:

Here are some tracks where Amaj7 brings that special magic:

• "Still Got the Blues" by Gary Moore – Emotional blues-rock ballad, Amaj7 adds heart-melting sophistication in the verse/chorus.
• "Don't Know Why" by Norah Jones – Signature jazzy/pop tune, guitar covers love this chord for its warm glow.
• "The Girl from Ipanema" (various versions) – Bossa nova staple; Amaj7 (or close relatives) floats through the changes.
• "New Light" by John Mayer – Modern pop/R&B vibe; Amaj7 helps create that smooth, dreamy neo-soul atmosphere.
• "Blackbird" by The Beatles – Many arrangements sneak in maj7 colors including Amaj7 voicings for extra elegance.