Julie Swihart

Major Seventh Chords

Let’s look at how to play a Gmaj7 chord on the piano. We’ll also learn the pattern for building any major seventh chord.

What Are Major Seventh Chords?

Major seventh chords are major chords with an added note. The added note is the seventh note of the matching major scale.

To build a major seventh chord we can start by building a major chord. Major chords are built using the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale (learn how to build a major scale here).

Then to convert the major chord into a major seventh chord, we can add the seventh note of the matching major scale.

Chord Types Printable

Learn to play 17 types of piano chords using 12 different root notes with this 34-page PDF! Chords are sorted both by their root note (C, D, E, etc.) and type (major, minor, etc.).

Get the Printable

How to Play a Gmaj7 Chord

So to build a Gmaj7 chord, we’ll start by building a G major chord using the first, third and fifth notes of the G major scale: G – B – D.

Then we’ll add the seventh note of the G major scale, F♯.

So to play a Gmaj7 chord, we’ll play:

G – B – D – F♯

You can use this pattern to build any major seventh chord. Just play a major chord, and then add the seventh note of the matching major scale.

Chord Fingering

To play this chord with your right hand, use fingers 1 – 2 – 3 – 5 (thumbs are 1’s). With the left hand, use fingers 5 – 3 – 2 – 1.

Other Chord Types

Here are some other chord types you can learn:

Major
Minor
Augmented
Diminished
Second
Minor second
Fifth
Suspended
Sixth
Minor sixth
Seventh
Minor seventh
Ninth
Minor ninth
Major ninth

Conclusion

Now you know how to play a Gmaj7 chord on the piano, and you can use that knowledge to build any major seventh chord.

Using patterns to build chords lays a wonderful foundation for playing the piano freely and creatively!