Am7b5 Chord
Minor 7 with a flattened 5th — the tense ii chord of a minor ii-V-i.
Am7b5
Notes in this voicing: A · D# · G · C
Root
A
Quality
Half-Diminished (m7b5)
Difficulty
Advanced
Type
Extended
String-by-String Fingering
Low EX
Mute the Low E string so it does not ring.
AO
Play the A string open (A).
DFret 1
Fret the D string at fret 1 with your middle finger (D#).
GO
Play the G string open (G).
BFret 1
Fret the B string at fret 1 with your ring finger (C).
High EX
Mute the High E string so it does not ring.
Finger Number Legend
1Index
2Middle
3Ring
4Pinky
How to Play It
- Start your strum from the A string and avoid any strings marked X.
- Keep your fingertips close to the fret wire so the Am7b5 chord rings without buzz.
- Use as the ii chord ahead of a dominant 7 in minor keys.
- Keep the root on the 5th string and let the top three notes ring.
Suggested Strumming Pattern
Down, down-up, pause, up-down-up; let the upper notes breathe instead of over-strumming.
Common Mistakes
- Playing a full diminished 7 instead — the b7 stays natural here.
- Strumming into muted strings instead of stopping at the first ringing string.
Songs That Use This Chord Type
- • Autumn Leaves — Jazz standard
- • Black Orpheus — Luiz Bonfá
Practice Essentials
Editor-picked gear that makes practice easier. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Never Miss a Guitar Breakthrough
Get weekly guitar tips, exclusive lessons, gear recommendations, and new Practice Hub updates.
Practice Hub
by TheGuitarPlugged