Fmaj7 Chord on Guitar (F major seventh)
Fmaj7 is a major seventh chord with a dreamy, warm and relaxed sound. It contains the notes F – A – C – E (major chord + major seventh). Below you will find 4 ways to play it on guitar.
How to play Fmaj7
Position 1: x x 3 2 1 0
- low E: don't play
- A: don't play
- D: fret 3
- G: fret 2
- B: fret 1
- high E: open
Position 2: x 8 10 9 10 8
- low E: don't play
- A: fret 8
- D: fret 10
- G: fret 9
- B: fret 10
- high E: fret 8
Position 3: 1 3 2 2 1 1
- low E: fret 1
- A: fret 3
- D: fret 2
- G: fret 2
- B: fret 1
- high E: fret 1
Position 4: x x 3 5 5 5
- low E: don't play
- A: don't play
- D: fret 3
- G: fret 5
- B: fret 5
- high E: fret 5
The first shape is an open chord: it uses open strings, so it is the easiest way to play Fmaj7 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 = F, 3 = A, 5 = C, 7 = E
Using Fmaj7 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.