Gmaj7 Chord (G major 7th) on Guitar
Gmaj7 (G major 7th) is made of the notes G – B – D – F#. The easiest guitar fingering is 320002 (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 Gmaj7
- Press the 6th string (low E) at fret 3 (G).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2 (B).
- Play the 4th string (D) open (D).
- Play the 3rd string (G) open (G).
- Play the 2nd string (B) open (B).
- Press the 1st string (high e) at fret 2 (F#).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | 3 | G | R |
| 5th string (A) | 2 | B | 3 |
| 4th string (D) | 0 (open) | D | 5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 0 (open) | G | R |
| 2nd string (B) | 0 (open) | B | 3 |
| 1st string (high e) | 2 | F# | 7 |
What is a G 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. Gmaj7 contains G, B, D, F#. Counted from the root G, 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 Gmaj7
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 Gmaj7
Gmaj7 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 Gmaj7
Related chords
Gmaj7 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Gmaj7 chord?
Gmaj7 (G major 7th) contains the notes G, B, D, F#. The formula is R–3–5–7 relative to the root G.
How do you play Gmaj7 on guitar?
The most common shape for Gmaj7 is 320002, 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 Gmaj7 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Which keys contain Gmaj7?
Gmaj7 is a diatonic chord in D major (IV), G major (I), B minor (VI), E minor (III).
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