How to play the Am7b5 chord on guitar

The Am7b5 chord, pronounced "A minor seven flat five" or simply "A half-diminished," is a unique and versatile chord that adds a touch of melancholy to progressions. Notable for its haunting sound, the Am7b5 finds its home in jazz, neo-soul, and R&B. It's also used as a passing chord in popular songs like "Creep" by Radiohead and "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin.

The Am7b5 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 5th fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a Am7b5 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger on the 5th fret, barring all six strings.
2. Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 2nd (B) string.

To strum this chord, play all six strings simultaneously with a downward motion. You can also try alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes for a more dynamic sound.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Am7b5 chord, try playing an Am7 chord without the middle finger on the 2nd fret of the B string. This simplifies the chord shape while still maintaining the essential notes of the Am7b5 chord, making it easier to play and transition between chords.

The Am7b5 chord is most commonly played as an open chord, but learning the barre chord version can be useful for playing in different keys or adding variety to your playing.

Here's how to play an Am7b5 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across the 7th fret, covering all six strings (barre).
2. Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 8th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 8th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum from the 5th (A) string down.

The Am7b5 chord, also known as A minor 7 flat 5 or A half-diminished 7, is often used in jazz and blues progressions to add a sense of tension and melancholy. Here are some common chord progressions featuring Am7b5:

• ii7b5 - V7 - i (Am7b5 - D7 - Gm)
• i - iv - VII7 - III7 - VI7 - ii7b5 - V7 (Am - Dm - G7 - C7 - F7 - Bm7b5 - E7)
• i - iv - ii7b5 - V7 (Am - Dm - Bm7b5 - E7)
• ii7b5 - V7 - i - VI7 (Am7b5 - D7 - Gm - F7)
• ii7b5 - V7 - i - iv (Am7b5 - D7 - Gm - Cm). Used in "Autumn Leaves" and "Round Midnight"

To master the Am7b5 chord, try playing it as an arpeggio. Pluck each note individually in ascending and descending order: A, C, Eb, G, then G, Eb, C, A. This helps your fingers memorize the shape and improves dexterity.

Another effective drill is to practice transitioning between Am7b5 and related chords like Dm7 or C6. Play each chord for a measure, focusing on smooth, precise changes. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. Incorporating Am7b5 into chord progressions will make it feel more natural and musical.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Am7b5 chord:

1. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (Am, E, C, D, FM7, Am7b5, Dsus4)
2. Alone by Heart (Em, Am7b5, Cmaj7, Bm7, Em7, Am, D7, Gmaj7)
3. Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra (Am7, Dm7, G7, Cmaj7, F7, Bm7b5, E7, Am7b5, D7)
4. Misty by Ella Fitzgerald (Eb, Bbm7, Eb7, Abmaj7, Dm7b5, G7b9, Cm7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7)
5. Autumn Leaves by Eric Clapton (Am7b5, D7b9, Gmaj7, Cmaj7, Fmaj7, Bm7b5, E7b9)
6. Georgia on My Mind by Ray Charles (F, Em7, Am7b5, D7b9, Gm7, C7, F6, Fmaj7)
7. My Funny Valentine by Chet Baker (Cm7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Abm7, Db7, Gbmaj7, Bm7b5, E7)
8. All the Things You Are by Jerome Kern (Fmaj7, Bm7b5, E7, Am7, D7, Gmaj7, Cmaj7)
9. Blue Bossa by Kenny Dorham (Cm7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Am7b5, D7b9, Gm7, C7)
10. Satin Doll by Duke Ellington (Cmaj7, Am7b5, Dm7, G7, Cmaj7, Bm7b5, E7, Am7, F#m7b5, B7, Em7, A7)