Article
How to Read Guitar Chord Diagrams
Learn how to read guitar chord diagrams quickly. Understand dots, numbers, Xs, Os, and finger positions so you can play any chord chart at sight.
Amaj7/E guitar shapes
Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions
Showing 8 of 170 playable shapes
About the chord
A major 7th / E (2nd inversion)
The A major 7th major 7th chord, combining the root (A major 7th), major third C♯, perfect fifth E, and major seventh G♯, produces a lush, dreamy quality. The close interval between the fifth E and seventh G♯ adds a jazzy, sophisticated color, often conveying nostalgia, romance, or serenity. With E in the bass, this voicing functions as the 2nd inversion of A major 7th.
Root note: A
Bass note: E
Chord tones: 4
Playable shapes: 170
Chord tones
AC♯EG♯
Notes & Intervals
Each note below shows how the chord is built from its root. This is the theory layer underneath the fretboard shapes.
A Unison (Root) 1
The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.
C♯ Major Third 3
This note defines the chord's major quality and brings brightness to the sound.
E Perfect Fifth 5
The fifth reinforces stability and gives the chord its strong harmonic frame.
G♯ Major Seventh 7
The major seventh adds a smooth, lush tension close to the root.
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