All 5 ways to play Bmaj7 on guitar
-
x24342 at the 2nd fret -
x21302 open position -
xxx446 at the 4th fret -
798877 at the 7th fret -
x-x-9-11-11-11 at the 9th fret
Diagrams: strings run from the lowest on the left; X = don't play, O = open string, numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger).
How to play Bmaj7 on guitar
Main shape: x24342 (at the 2nd fret).
- Lay your index finger (1) flat across the strings from the A (5th) to the high E (1st) string at the 2nd fret (a barre).
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 4th fret of the D (4th) string.
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 3rd fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Put your little finger (4) on the 4th fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Don't play the low E (6th) string (marked X).
- Strum from the A (5th) string down (5 strings).
Bmaj7 notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| B | 1 | root |
| D♯ | 3 | major 3rd |
| F♯ | 5 | perfect 5th |
| A♯ | 7 | major 7th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: Bmaj7/D♯ (1st inversion), Bmaj7/F♯ (2nd inversion) and Bmaj7/A♯ (3rd inversion).
Bmaj7, BM7 and BΔ7 are three ways to write the same major 7th chord. Don't confuse it with Bm7 (small "m": minor 7th) or B7 (dominant 7th).
Easier ways to play Bmaj7
- In rock songs, the B5 power chord (B and F♯ only) can stand in: it has no 3rd, so it is neither major nor minor.
Bmaj7 on piano and ukulele
-
Bmaj7 on piano B – D♯ – F♯ – A♯ -
Bmaj7 on ukulele 4321
Which keys use Bmaj7?
Bmaj7 is one of the basic chords of 4 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| B major | Bmaj7 | Imaj7 | tonic |
| G♯ minor | Bmaj7 | IIImaj7 | tonic |
| F♯ major | Bmaj7 | IVmaj7 | predominant |
| D♯ minor | Bmaj7 | VImaj7 | tonic or predominant |
Progressions with Bmaj7
- ii–V–I in B major: C♯m7 – F♯7 – Bmaj7 A cadence that is extremely common in jazz.