All 4 ways to play Gmaj7 on guitar
-
320002 open position -
354433 at the 3rd fret -
xx5777 at the 5th fret -
x-10-12-11-12-10 at the 10th 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 Gmaj7 on guitar
Main shape: 320002 (open position).
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 3rd fret of the low E (6th) string.
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 2nd fret of the A (5th) string.
- Put your index finger (1) on the 2nd fret of the high E (1st) string.
- Let the D (4th), G (3rd) and B (2nd) strings ring open (marked O).
- Strum all 6 strings.
Gmaj7 notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| G | 1 | root |
| B | 3 | major 3rd |
| D | 5 | perfect 5th |
| F♯ | 7 | major 7th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: Gmaj7/B (1st inversion), Gmaj7/D (2nd inversion) and Gmaj7/F♯ (3rd inversion).
Gmaj7, GM7 and GΔ7 are three ways to write the same major 7th chord. Don't confuse it with Gm7 (small "m": minor 7th) or G7 (dominant 7th).
Gmaj7 on piano and ukulele
-
Gmaj7 on piano G – B – D – F♯ -
Gmaj7 on ukulele 0222
Which keys use Gmaj7?
Gmaj7 is one of the basic chords of 4 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| G major | Gmaj7 | Imaj7 | tonic |
| E minor | Gmaj7 | IIImaj7 | tonic |
| D major | Gmaj7 | IVmaj7 | predominant |
| B minor | Gmaj7 | VImaj7 | tonic or predominant |
Progressions with Gmaj7
- ii–V–I in G major: Am7 – D7 – Gmaj7 A cadence that is extremely common in jazz.