Bmaj7 Chord (B major 7th) on Guitar
Bmaj7 (B major 7th) is made of the notes B – D# – F# – A#. The easiest guitar fingering is x2130x (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 Bmaj7
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2 (B).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 1 (D#).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 3 (A#).
- Play the 2nd string (B) open (B).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
- Do not play the 1st string (high e).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 2 | B | R |
| 4th string (D) | 1 | D# | 3 |
| 3rd string (G) | 3 | A# | 7 |
| 2nd string (B) | 0 (open) | B | R |
| 1st string (high e) | x (mute) | - |
What is a B 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. Bmaj7 contains B, D#, F#, A#. Counted from the root B, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 7 (major 7th).
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 Bmaj7
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 Bmaj7
Bmaj7 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 Bmaj7
Related chords
Bmaj7 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Bmaj7 chord?
Bmaj7 (B major 7th) contains the notes B, D#, F#, A#. The formula is R–3–5–7 relative to the root B.
How do you play Bmaj7 on guitar?
The most common shape for Bmaj7 is x2130x, 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 Bmaj7 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Which keys contain Bmaj7?
Bmaj7 is a diatonic chord in F# major (IV), B major (I), Eb minor (VI), Ab minor (III).
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