When it comes to adding sophistication, smoothness, and a touch of jazz to your guitar playing, few chords do the job as well as major 7th chords. Major 7th guitar chords are known for their dreamy and lush sound, making them a favorite among jazz, soul, and even pop musicians. In this blog post, we will explore the magic of major 7th guitar chords, how to use them in progressions, and how they can elevate your music to a new level. We’ll also take a look at some classic jazz tunes that utilize these chords to great effect. So, let’s dive in and unravel the beauty of major 7th guitar chords.
What Are Major 7th Guitar Chords?
Major 7th guitar chords, often notated as maj7, are four-note chords that consist of the root note, major third, perfect fifth, and major seventh intervals. If we take a C major scale (C, D, E, F, G, A, B), the notes in a Cmaj7 chord would be:
- Root (C)
- Major Third (E)
- Perfect Fifth (G)
- Major Seventh (B)
The presence of the major seventh note (B in the case of Cmaj7) is what gives these chords their characteristic lush sound. This interval creates a smooth and slightly jazzy feel, often described as being warm and relaxed.
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How to Play Major 7th Guitar Chords
Let’s start with some basic shapes for major 7th guitar chords. These shapes are movable, which means you can slide them up or down the neck to play major 7th chords in different keys.
- E Major 7th Shape (Root on the 6th string)
- Chord Shape: This is a common barre chord shape for major 7th chords.Example: Gmaj7 (Root on 3rd fret)Fretboard Position:
- e|–3–|
- B|–3–|
- G|–4–|
- D|–4–|
- A|–x–|
- E|–3–|
- A Major 7th Shape (Root on the 5th string)
- Chord Shape: Another common shape that is easily movable across the neck.Example: Cmaj7 (Root on 3rd fret)Fretboard Position:
- e|–0–|
- B|–0–|
- G|–0–|
- D|–2–|
- A|–3–|
- E|–x–|
- D Major 7th Shape (Root on the 4th string)
- Chord Shape: A more open and gentle sounding major 7th chord.
- Example: Fmaj7 (Root on 3rd fret)
- Fretboard Position:
- e|–x–|
- B|–1–|
- G|–2–|
- D|–3–|
- A|–3–|
- E|–x–|
- Notes: G (Root), B (Major Third), D (Perfect Fifth), F# (Major Seventh).
Using Major 7th Chords in Progressions
Major 7th guitar chords are excellent for creating smooth, flowing progressions. They fit beautifully in jazz, neo-soul, and even some pop music contexts. Here are a few chord progressions that utilize major 7th chords effectively:
- Imaj7 – IVmaj7 Progression
- Example in G Major: Gmaj7 – Cmaj7
- Chord Notes:
- Gmaj7: G – B – D – F#
- Cmaj7: C – E – G – B
- Imaj7 – vi – ii – V Progression
- Example in C Major: Cmaj7 – Am7 – Dm7 – G7
- Chord Notes:
- Cmaj7: C – E – G – B
- Am7: A – C – E – G
- Dm7: D – F – A – C
- G7: G – B – D – F
- ii7 – V7 – Imaj7 Progression
- Example in D Major: Em7 – A7 – Dmaj7
- Chord Notes:
- Em7: E – G – B – D
- A7: A – C# – E – G
- Dmaj7: D – F# – A – C#
- Imaj7 – vi7 – ii7 – IVmaj7 Progression
- Example in A Major: Amaj7 – F#m7 – Bm7 – Dmaj7
- Chord Notes:
- Amaj7: A – C# – E – G#
- F#m7: F# – A – C# – E
- Bm7: B – D – F# – A
- Dmaj7: D – F# – A – C#
Jazz Tunes Featuring Major 7th Chords
Many jazz standards feature major 7th chords, as they are a fundamental building block in the jazz sound palette. Here are a few classic tunes that utilize these chords:
- “Misty” by Erroll Garner
- Chords: Ebmaj7 – G7 – Cm7 – F7 – Bbmaj7 – Bb7
- Usage: The song begins with an Ebmaj7 chord, setting a smooth and romantic tone. The major 7th chord here serves as the bedrock for the melody’s wistful and yearning feel.
- “Girl from Ipanema” by Antonio Carlos Jobim
- Chords: Fmaj7 – G7 – Gm7 – F#7 – Fmaj7 – G7
- Usage: In this bossa nova classic, the Fmaj7 chord provides a breezy, sun-soaked atmosphere that’s characteristic of the genre. Major 7th chords give the song its signature easy-going feel.
- “Blue Bossa” by Kenny Dorham
- Chords: Cm7 – Fm7 – Dm7b5 – G7 – Cm7 – Ebmaj7 – Ab7
- Usage: The Ebmaj7 in this progression helps pivot the tonal center and adds a contrasting brightness to the minor chords that dominate the tune. It’s a classic example of how major 7th chords can provide relief and contrast in jazz compositions.
- “All the Things You Are” by Jerome Kern
- Chords: Fm7 – Bb7 – Ebmaj7 – Abmaj7 – Dbmaj7 – Gbmaj7 – Cmaj7
- Usage: This song is a tour through several key changes, and major 7th chords are used extensively to provide smooth transitions between these keys, making the melody feel cohesive and continuous.
How to Use Major 7th Chords Creatively
- As a Tonic Chord: In major key songs, you can use the major 7th chord as the tonic chord to provide a more sophisticated sound compared to the plain major triad. For example, in the key of C major, use Cmaj7 instead of just C.
- Color Chord Substitutions: Replace regular major chords in your progressions with major 7th chords to add color and depth. For example, instead of playing a C-G-Am-F progression, try Cmaj7-Gmaj7-Am7-Fmaj7. The progression will sound richer and more complex.
- Chord Extensions: Use major 7th chords as a foundation to add other chord extensions, like 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths, for even more color. For instance, a Cmaj9 chord would include the notes C-E-G-B-D.
- Arpeggios and Soloing: Use the notes of major 7th chords to create arpeggios for soloing. Playing a Cmaj7 arpeggio over a Cmaj7 chord will highlight the chord tones and create a coherent, melodic solo line.
Conclusion
Major 7th guitar chords are a powerful tool in any guitarist’s arsenal. They bring a richness and emotional depth to music that is both appealing and sophisticated. By learning how to play these chords and incorporating them into your progressions, you can add a new dimension to your playing that will stand out in genres from jazz to pop. Whether you are playing classic jazz standards or experimenting with your own compositions, major 7th chords will help you create the smooth and dreamy sounds that have captivated audiences for decades.
Now that you have a grasp on how to use major 7th guitar chords, it’s time to start incorporating them into your music. Experiment with the chord shapes, try out different progressions, and listen to how these chords have been used in some of your favorite jazz tunes. The more you explore, the more you’ll discover the endless possibilities these beautiful chords offer.
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