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Gmaj7(Major 7th Chord)

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

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

🎹 Gmaj7 on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the Gmaj7 chord.

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

🎸 Gmaj7 on Guitar

The Gmaj7 chord uses notes G, B, D, F#. 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 3rd4B
5thPerfect 5th7D
7thMajor 7th11F#

About the G Major 7th Chord

The Gmaj7 chord (G Major 7th) consists of 4 notes: G, B, D, F#. 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, B, D, F#.

Playing Gmaj7 on Piano

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

Common Chord Progressions Using Gmaj7

  • I–IV–V: Gmaj7 – Cmaj7 – Dmaj7 (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Gmaj7 – D – Em – C (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: Gmaj7 – Em – C – D (50s progression)

The Gmaj7 Chord in Context

As a major 7th chord, Gmaj7 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.

Other G Chords

G
Major
Gm
Minor
G7
Dominant 7th
Gm7
Minor 7th
Gdim
Diminished
Gaug
Augmented

Major 7th Chord in All 12 Keys

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🎹 Virtual Piano
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Notes that fit Gmaj7
🎶 Songs
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FAQ

Gmaj7 Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the Gmaj7 chord?
The G Major 7th chord contains: G, B, D, F#. These notes are derived by applying the major 7th interval formula (0–4–7–11 semitones) to the root note G.
What is the Gmaj7 chord used for?
A major triad with a major seventh. Warm, sophisticated sound used in jazz and R&B. The Gmaj7 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 Gmaj7 on piano?
On piano, play G, B, D, F# simultaneously. In root position, G is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has B lowest, second inversion has D lowest.
How many notes are in a major 7th chord?
A major 7th chord has 4 notes: G, B, D, F# (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–B–D) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound. The G minor chord (G–A#–D) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.
What key does Gmaj7 belong to?
Gmaj7 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 Gmaj7 on ukulele?
Yes. The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The Gmaj7 chord notes (G, B, D, F#) 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 Gmaj7?
In the key of G major, Gmaj7 pairs naturally with C major (IV), D major (V), and Em (vi). The classic I–IV–V (Gmaj7–C–D) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.
What is a chord inversion of Gmaj7?
An inversion places a non-root note in the bass. Gmaj7 root position: G in bass. First inversion: B 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 Gmaj7: 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.