Root
1
Names the chord.
Major 7 chords guitar
Hear the difference between a major triad and a major-seventh tonic color.
A major 7 chord adds the major seventh to a major triad. The 3rd and 7th give the quality its characteristic smooth tension.
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Formula
Build maj7 from intervals, not shape memory.
The formula is 1–3–5–7.
Major 3rd
3
Defines major quality.
Perfect 5th
5
Supports the triad.
Major 7th
7
Creates the characteristic color.
Voicings
Choose register and inversion for the musical job.
Maj7 works in shells, drop 2, rootless and extended forms.
Shell
R–3–7
Compact tonic sound.
Drop 2
Four-note
Balanced chord-melody and comping option.
Rootless
3–7 + extensions
Useful over established bass.
Maj9
Add 9
A common extension.
Function
Maj7 often acts as tonic in major-key jazz harmony.
In ii–V–I, the Imaj7 receives the dominant resolution.
ii–V–I
Tonic arrival
The maj7 chord completes the cadence.
I–vi–ii–V
Starting point
Maj7 begins the turnaround cycle.
Modal color
Static major
Maj7 can also be used outside strict functional motion.
FAQ
Quick answers about major 7 chord guitar.
Use these answers as a reference, then explore the relationships interactively.
What notes are in a major 7 chord?
The formula is 1–3–5–7.
Is major 7 the same as dominant 7?
No. Major 7 uses a major seventh; dominant 7 uses a minor seventh.
Where is maj7 used in jazz?
It commonly functions as the major tonic, especially as the I chord in a ii–V–I progression.
ChordRevelation
Move from explanation to interactive harmony.
Change the key, compare voicings, follow voice leading and see the same idea directly on the fretboard.