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G#maj7(Major 7th Chord)

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

Notes
G# – C – D# – G
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 4 – 7 – 11
Type
7th Chord

🎹 G#maj7 on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the G#maj7 chord.

R
G#(Root (R))
2
C(Major 3rd)
3
D#(Perfect 5th)
4
G(Major 7th)

🎸 G#maj7 on Guitar

The G#maj7 chord uses notes G#, C, D#, G. 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 G#
RootRoot (R)0G#
3rdMajor 3rd4C
5thPerfect 5th7D#
7thMajor 7th11G

About the G# Major 7th Chord

The G#maj7 chord (G# Major 7th) consists of 4 notes: G#, C, D#, G. 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 G#: the notes land on G#, C, D#, G.

Playing G#maj7 on Piano

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

Common Chord Progressions Using G#maj7

  • I–IV–V: G#maj7 – C#maj7 – D#maj7 (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: G#maj7 – D# – Fm – C# (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: G#maj7 – Fm – C# – D# (50s progression)

The G#maj7 Chord in Context

As a major 7th chord, G#maj7 is the tonic (I) in the key of G# major. It also appears as the IV chord in D# major, and as the V chord in C# major — making it one of the most important chords across all of Western music.

FAQ

G#maj7 Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the G#maj7 chord?
The G# Major 7th chord contains: G#, C, D#, G. These notes are derived by applying the major 7th interval formula (0–4–7–11 semitones) to the root note G#.
What is the G#maj7 chord used for?
A major triad with a major seventh. Warm, sophisticated sound used in jazz and R&B. The G#maj7 chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of G# major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.
How do you play G#maj7 on piano?
On piano, play G#, C, D#, G simultaneously. In root position, G# is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has C lowest, second inversion has D# lowest.
How many notes are in a major 7th chord?
A major 7th chord has 4 notes: G#, C, D#, G (in G#). It is a 7th chord, extending beyond the basic triad.
What is the difference between G# major and G# minor?
The G# major chord (G#–C–D#) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound. The G# minor chord (G#–B–D#) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.
What key does G#maj7 belong to?
G#maj7 naturally serves as the I chord in the key of G# major. It also appears as IV in the key of D# major, and as V in the key of C# major.
Can I play G#maj7 on ukulele?
Yes. The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The G#maj7 chord notes (G#, C, D#, G) 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 G#maj7?
In the key of G# major, G#maj7 pairs naturally with C# major (IV), D# major (V), and Fm (vi). The classic I–IV–V (G#maj7–C#–D#) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.
What is a chord inversion of G#maj7?
An inversion places a non-root note in the bass. G#maj7 root position: G# in bass. First inversion: C in bass. Second inversion: D# 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 G#maj7: start on G#, add 4 semitones, then 7 semitones, then 11 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any major 7th chord.