Gmaj7 Chord on Guitar (G major seventh)
Gmaj7 is a major seventh chord with a dreamy, warm and relaxed sound. It contains the notes G – B – D – F# (major chord + major seventh). Below you will find 4 ways to play it on guitar.
How to play Gmaj7
Position 1: 3 2 0 0 0 2
- low E: fret 3
- A: fret 2
- D: open
- G: open
- B: open
- high E: fret 2
Position 2: x 10 12 11 12 10
- low E: don't play
- A: fret 10
- D: fret 12
- G: fret 11
- B: fret 12
- high E: fret 10
Position 3: 3 5 4 4 3 3
- low E: fret 3
- A: fret 5
- D: fret 4
- G: fret 4
- B: fret 3
- high E: fret 3
Position 4: x x 5 7 7 7
- low E: don't play
- A: don't play
- D: fret 5
- G: fret 7
- B: fret 7
- high E: fret 7
The first shape is an open chord: it uses open strings, so it is the easiest way to play Gmaj7 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 = G, 3 = B, 5 = D, 7 = F#
Using Gmaj7 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.