Bbmaj7 Chord on Guitar (B flat major seventh)
Bbmaj7 is a major seventh chord with a dreamy, warm and relaxed sound. It contains the notes Bb – D – F – A (major chord + major seventh). Below you will find 3 ways to play it on guitar.
How to play Bbmaj7
Position 1: x 1 3 2 3 1
- low E: don't play
- A: fret 1
- D: fret 3
- G: fret 2
- B: fret 3
- high E: fret 1
Position 2: 6 8 7 7 6 6
- low E: fret 6
- A: fret 8
- D: fret 7
- G: fret 7
- B: fret 6
- high E: fret 6
Position 3: x x 8 10 10 10
- low E: don't play
- A: don't play
- D: fret 8
- G: fret 10
- B: fret 10
- high E: fret 10
This chord has no easy open shape, so it is usually played as a barre chord. Press the barre with the side of your index finger, keep your thumb behind the neck, and check each string one by one until all of them ring clearly.
Chord theory
A major seventh chord adds a major seventh (11 half steps above the root, one half step below the octave) to a major triad. The close distance between the seventh and the root gives it a floating, jazzy colour.
Degrees: 1 = Bb, 3 = D, 5 = F, 7 = A
Using Bbmaj7 in songs
Major sevenths are used on the 1st and 4th degrees of a major key. Try swapping a plain major chord for its maj7 version in a slow song to add warmth.