Emaj7 Chord on Guitar (E major seventh)
Emaj7 is a major seventh chord with a dreamy, warm and relaxed sound. It contains the notes E – G# – B – D# (major chord + major seventh). Below you will find 3 ways to play it on guitar.
How to play Emaj7
Position 1: 0 2 1 1 0 0
- low E: open
- A: fret 2
- D: fret 1
- G: fret 1
- B: open
- high E: open
Position 2: x 7 9 8 9 7
- low E: don't play
- A: fret 7
- D: fret 9
- G: fret 8
- B: fret 9
- high E: fret 7
Position 3: x x 2 4 4 4
- low E: don't play
- A: don't play
- D: fret 2
- G: fret 4
- B: fret 4
- high E: fret 4
The first shape is an open chord: it uses open strings, so it is the easiest way to play Emaj7 and rings out the most. Strum only the strings that are not marked with an x.
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 = E, 3 = G#, 5 = B, 7 = D#
Using Emaj7 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.