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Bmaj7(Major 7th Chord)

A major triad with a major seventh. Warm, sophisticated sound used in jazz and R&B.

Notes
B – D# – F# – A#
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 4 – 7 – 11
Type
7th Chord

🎹 Bmaj7 on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the Bmaj7 chord.

R
B(Root (R))
2
D#(Major 3rd)
3
F#(Perfect 5th)
4
A#(Major 7th)

🎸 Bmaj7 on Guitar

The Bmaj7 chord uses notes B, D#, F#, A#. Build a voicing by finding these notes on any strings — root on the 6th string is a common starting point for barre chord shapes.

Interval Analysis

DegreeInterval NameSemitonesNote in B
RootRoot (R)0B
3rdMajor 3rd4D#
5thPerfect 5th7F#
7thMajor 7th11A#

About the B Major 7th Chord

The Bmaj7 chord (B Major 7th) consists of 4 notes: B, D#, F#, A#. A major triad with a major seventh. Warm, sophisticated sound used in jazz and R&B.

To build any major 7th chord, apply intervals of 0, 4, 7, 11 semitones above the root. Starting from B: the notes land on B, D#, F#, A#.

Playing Bmaj7 on Piano

Press B, D#, F#, A# simultaneously. In root position, B is lowest. First inversion places D# in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses F# as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using Bmaj7

  • I–IV–V: Bmaj7 – Emaj7 – F#maj7 (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Bmaj7 – F# – G#m – E (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: Bmaj7 – G#m – E – F# (50s progression)

The Bmaj7 Chord in Context

As a major 7th chord, Bmaj7 is the tonic (I) in the key of B major. It also appears as the IV chord in F# major, and as the V chord in E major — making it one of the most important chords across all of Western music.

FAQ

Bmaj7 Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the Bmaj7 chord?
The B Major 7th chord contains: B, D#, F#, A#. These notes are derived by applying the major 7th interval formula (0–4–7–11 semitones) to the root note B.
What is the Bmaj7 chord used for?
A major triad with a major seventh. Warm, sophisticated sound used in jazz and R&B. The Bmaj7 chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of B major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.
How do you play Bmaj7 on piano?
On piano, play B, D#, F#, A# simultaneously. In root position, B is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has D# lowest, second inversion has F# lowest.
How many notes are in a major 7th chord?
A major 7th chord has 4 notes: B, D#, F#, A# (in B). It is a 7th chord, extending beyond the basic triad.
What is the difference between B major and B minor?
The B major chord (B–D#–F#) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound. The B minor chord (B–D–F#) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.
What key does Bmaj7 belong to?
Bmaj7 naturally serves as the I chord in the key of B major. It also appears as IV in the key of F# major, and as V in the key of E major.
Can I play Bmaj7 on ukulele?
Yes. The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The Bmaj7 chord notes (B, D#, F#, A#) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.
What chords go well with Bmaj7?
In the key of B major, Bmaj7 pairs naturally with E major (IV), F# major (V), and G#m (vi). The classic I–IV–V (Bmaj7–E–F#) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.
What is a chord inversion of Bmaj7?
An inversion places a non-root note in the bass. Bmaj7 root position: B in bass. First inversion: D# in bass. Second inversion: F# in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.
How do I memorize the notes in a major 7th chord?
Remember the formula: 0–4–7–11 semitones from root. For Bmaj7: start on B, add 4 semitones, then 7 semitones, then 11 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any major 7th chord.