Abmaj7 Guitar Chord

Abmaj7 is the A flat major seventh chord. It has four notes: A♭, C, E♭ and G. There is no open version; the standard shape roots it on the low E string at the 4th fret, four fingers, two muted strings and no barre.

Root on the low E at the 4th fret with the seventh, third and fifth on the D, G and B strings. The index does double duty, fretting the bass and muting the A string.

How to play Abmaj7, step by step

Index finger: 4th fret, low E string
Middle finger: 4th fret, B string
Ring finger: 5th fret, D string
Pinky finger: 5th fret, G string
Strum across all six strings, letting the index quiet the A string and the middle finger's edge damp the high E.

More ways to play Abmaj7

There are 2 common Abmaj7 shapes in total: the standard one at the top of the page, plus these, easiest first. You only ever need one. Tap any card to hear it.

Abmaj7 guitar chord diagram, compact, frets 6 to 8, played xx6888 — Compact, frets 6 to 8

If it sounds choked

The chord sounds choked in the middle: The A string must be silent, but only from the index resting against it. If another finger is collapsing onto the D or G string, re-arch it onto its tip.
Buzz on the D or G string: Ring finger and pinky sit together at the 5th fret. Land them at the same moment, tips down, snug behind the fret wire.
High E rings over the top: It is not part of this voicing. Tilt the middle finger a touch so its edge damps the string, or end the strum at the B string.

What makes it an Abmaj7

A♭ · C · E♭ · G 1 3 5 7

Abmaj7 is a major seventh chord: an A flat major triad (A♭, C, E♭) plus a major seventh (G). The G presses gently up against the root a half step away, and that tension without urgency is the maj7 signature. Abmaj7 is the I chord of A flat major and the IV chord of E flat major. Those flat keys belong to piano, horns and voices more than to open string guitar, so guitarists usually reach this chord through movable shapes exactly like the two on this page.

Ab vs Abmaj7

A flat major has three notes; Abmaj7 adds a G. On guitar both are movable shapes with no open strings, but the plain major generally wants a barre while this maj7 grip does not. The major states its point plainly; the maj7 blurs it beautifully. In soul or jazz in the flat keys, the maj7 is often the sound the chart intends.

Abmaj7 chord questions

Are Abmaj7 and G#maj7 the same chord?

Yes, the same pitches spelled from different letters. Real world charts nearly always say Abmaj7, since A flat is a working key and G sharp major is a spelling headache.

Is Abmaj7 hard to play?

Moderate. The shape needs four fingers and a muted A string, but no barre. Being at the 4th fret actually helps: the frets are closer together than at the nut.

Can I play Abmaj7 without a barre?

Yes. Both voicings here use fingertips only. The low E root shape mutes the A string with the side of the index instead of barring anything.

What is the difference between Abmaj7 and Ab7?

The seventh: Ab7 uses G♭ and drives toward D flat like a blues chord. Abmaj7 uses G natural and rests in place. They share a root and little else about their mood.

What keys use Abmaj7?

It is the I chord of A flat major and the IV chord of E flat major, both staples in jazz, soul and gospel.