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Step 1
Learn all of the open-position 7th chords. (See the illustration.) There are many ways to finger these chords, though a good rule of thumb is to use the index finger for any notes on the 1st fret, middle for the 2nd and ring for the 3rd. The pinky is often the weakest finger, and is rarely used in open-position chords.
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Step 2
Learn all of the 6th string barred 7th chords. The chords in the example are all based on the root note G. Move any or all of these voicings to different frets to change the root of the chord. The lowest note of the chord will always dictate the name of the chord. For example, any 6th string barred 7th chord played on the 1st fret will have the root F, on the 5th fret the root will be A, and so on.
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Step 3
Learn all of the 5th-string barred 7th chords. Always use the left index finger to barre the top 5 strings. When adding the other notes, try and use consecutive fingers. For example, the first chord should be played with the index barred, then the ring finger for the note on the 4th string and the pinky on the 2nd string. Do not use the middle and pinky, as this will cause an unnecessary stretch between these fingers.
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Step 4
Learn all of the 4th-string 7th chords. Note that the first chord can be played with a barre, but it is not necessary. The barre can be used if you find it helps "anchor" your finger when fretting the other notes. Otherwise, each note in these two chords can be assigned an individual finger.
