Guitar arpeggio
A Minor-Major 7 Guitar Arpeggio
A Minor-Major 7 is a four-note seventh-chord arpeggio built from A, C, E, and G#. It is also commonly called A Minor Major 7 and AmMaj7. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- A, C, E, G#
- Formula
- 1 b3 5 7
- Semitones
- 0 3 7 11
- Chord symbols
- AmMaj7, AmM7
- Also called
- A Minor Major 7AmMaj7
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-major 7 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called A Minor Major 7 or AmMaj7.
Chord construction and defining tones
A minor-major 7 is defined by b3 (C) and 7 (G#). The minor third and major seventh combine minor quality with a strong leading-tone pull.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over AmMaj7, minor chords with a natural seventh, and tonic-minor sounds drawn from harmonic or melodic minor.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the A Minor-Major 7 arpeggio from one A root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Alternate b3 (C) and 7 (G#) against the root and hear the contrast between the minor third and major seventh.
- Improvise over AmMaj7 and resolve the major seventh upward while keeping the minor third prominent.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with A Minor-Major 7 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard