All 5 ways to play Fmaj7 on guitar
-
xx3210 open position -
102210 open position -
132211 at the 1st fret -
xx3555 at the 3rd fret -
x-8-10-9-10-8 at the 8th 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 Fmaj7 on guitar
Main shape: xx3210 (open position).
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 3rd fret of the D (4th) string.
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 2nd fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Put your index finger (1) on the 1st fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Let the high E (1st) string ring open (marked O).
- Don't play the low E (6th) or A (5th) strings (marked X).
- Strum from the D (4th) string down (4 strings).
Fmaj7 notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| F | 1 | root |
| A | 3 | major 3rd |
| C | 5 | perfect 5th |
| E | 7 | major 7th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: Fmaj7/A (1st inversion), Fmaj7/C (2nd inversion) and Fmaj7/E (3rd inversion).
Fmaj7, FM7 and FΔ7 are three ways to write the same major 7th chord. Don't confuse it with Fm7 (small "m": minor 7th) or F7 (dominant 7th).
Fmaj7 on piano and ukulele
-
Fmaj7 on piano F – A – C – E -
Fmaj7 on ukulele 2413
Which keys use Fmaj7?
Fmaj7 is one of the basic chords of 4 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| C major | Fmaj7 | IVmaj7 | predominant |
| A minor | Fmaj7 | VImaj7 | tonic or predominant |
| F major | Fmaj7 | Imaj7 | tonic |
| D minor | Fmaj7 | IIImaj7 | tonic |
Progressions with Fmaj7
- ii–V–I in F major: Gm7 – C7 – Fmaj7 A cadence that is extremely common in jazz.