A dominant 7th chord on piano
A7 is a dominant 7th chord built on A. It uses the notes A - C♯ - E - G and sounds bluesy with a strong pull toward the next chord.
- Notes
- A C♯ E G
- Formula
- 1 - 3 - 5 - ♭7
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 2 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 2 - 1
- Chord symbol
- A7
How to play A7 step by step
- Find A. A is the white key between the second and third black keys of the group of three.
- Add C♯, 4 half steps above A.
- Add E, 7 half steps above A.
- Add G, 10 half steps above A.
- Press all 4 keys together with fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5 of your right hand. Keep your wrist level and let the weight of your arm do the work.
A7 inversions
An inversion uses the same notes in a different order. Inversions let your hand move less between chords, which is how pianists make chord changes sound smooth.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the A dominant 7th chord?
The A dominant 7th chord (A7) contains 4 notes: A, C♯, E, G. Its formula is 1 - 3 - 5 - ♭7.
How do you play A7 on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on A and play A, C♯, E, G together using fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 2 - 1.