Abmaj7 Chord (Ab major 7th) on Guitar
Abmaj7 (Ab major 7th) is made of the notes Ab – C – Eb – G. The easiest guitar fingering is 4310xx (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play Abmaj7
- Press the 6th string (low E) at fret 4 (Ab).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3 (C).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 1 (Eb).
- Play the 3rd string (G) open (G).
- Do not play the 2nd string (B).
- Do not play the 1st string (high e).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | 4 | Ab | R |
| 5th string (A) | 3 | C | 3 |
| 4th string (D) | 1 | Eb | 5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 0 (open) | G | 7 |
| 2nd string (B) | x (mute) | - | |
| 1st string (high e) | x (mute) | - |
What is a Ab major 7th chord?
A major 7th chord adds a major seventh, one half step below the root, on top of a major triad.
Notes and formula. Abmaj7 contains Ab, C, Eb, G. Counted from the root Ab, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 7 (major 7th). It is also written G#maj7; the two names sound identical and the name used depends on the key of the song.
Sound. Smooth, lush and slightly dreamy. It is a major chord with extra sophistication and none of the bluesy tension of a dominant 7th.
Where it is used. Common in soul, jazz, bossa nova, R&B, indie and acoustic pop, usually on the I and IV chords of a major key.
Tips for playing Abmaj7
Play it softly with your thumb or a light pick attack. Maj7 chords sound best when the notes ring together without being strummed hard.
Common mistake: Strumming every string with force. Some shapes include a close interval (a half step) between two strings that sounds harsh if hit too hard.
Keys that contain Abmaj7
Abmaj7 is a diatonic chord, meaning it occurs naturally without accidentals, in these keys:
Try it in a progression: browse chord progressions for every key.
Scales to play over Abmaj7
Related chords
Abmaj7 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Abmaj7 chord?
Abmaj7 (Ab major 7th) contains the notes Ab, C, Eb, G. The formula is R–3–5–7 relative to the root Ab.
How do you play Abmaj7 on guitar?
The most common shape for Abmaj7 is 4310xx, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is Abmaj7 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is Abmaj7 the same as G#maj7?
Yes. Ab and G# are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so Abmaj7 and G#maj7 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
Which keys contain Abmaj7?
Abmaj7 is a diatonic chord in Eb major (IV), Ab major (I), C minor (VI), F minor (III).
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