Guitar arpeggio
A Minor 7 Guitar Arpeggio
A Minor 7 is a four-note seventh-chord arpeggio built from A, C, E, and G. It is also commonly called A Minor Seventh and Am7. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- A, C, E, G
- Formula
- 1 b3 5 b7
- Semitones
- 0 3 7 10
- Chord symbols
- Am7, Amin7
- Also called
- A Minor SeventhAm7
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent A root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the A root notes and connect the remaining minor 7 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called A Minor Seventh or Am7.
Chord construction and defining tones
A minor 7 is defined by b3 (C) and b7 (G). The minor third establishes the quality, and the flat seventh broadens the minor triad without creating dominant tension.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over Am7, minor-key passages, and minor ii-V or modal settings that include the flat seventh.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the A Minor 7 arpeggio from one A root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Connect b3 (C) and b7 (G) across adjacent string sets before filling in the root and fifth.
- Play over Am7 and alternate phrases that land on the minor third with phrases that land on the flat seventh.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with A Minor 7 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard