Gmaj7 Guitar Chord
Gmaj7 is the G major seventh chord. It has four notes: G, B, D and F♯. The open shape is an easy one: it is a plain open G with the top note lowered one fret, three fingers, all six strings, and three open strings ringing in the middle.
An open G with the high string brought down to the 2nd fret. Three fretted notes on the two E strings and the A, three open strings in between.
How to play Gmaj7, step by step
- Index finger: 2nd fret, high E string
- Middle finger: 2nd fret, A string
- Ring finger: 3rd fret, low E string
- Strum all six strings.
Switching between G and Gmaj7 is just the high E string note moving one fret. Practise that swap slowly; ballads reach for it constantly.
More ways to play Gmaj7
There are 2 common Gmaj7 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.
Smaller and smoother than the open shape, with the chord packed onto four strings.
Songs that use the Gmaj7 chord
If Gmaj7 will not ring out
- The F♯ on the high E buzzes
- The index holds the 2nd fret while the ring finger stretches to the 3rd on the opposite side of the neck. Keep the index tip upright and snug behind its fret; do not let the stretch drag it flat.
- Open middle strings sound smothered
- Three strings ring open in this chord. If they sound dull, the middle finger on the A string is leaning; curl it back onto its tip.
- Low E note is weak or buzzy
- The ring finger holds the bass G at the 3rd fret. Give it real pressure through the tip, since a soft bass note makes the whole chord feel thin.
What makes it a Gmaj7
G · B · D · F♯ 1 3 5 7
Gmaj7 is a major seventh chord: a G major triad (G, B, D) plus a major seventh (F♯). The F♯ leans a half step into the root above it, and that lean is the soft, glowing quality maj7 chords are loved for. Gmaj7 is the I chord of G major and the IV chord of D major, two guitar friendly keys, and in jazz it is a standard home chord, as in Autumn Leaves on this page.
G vs Gmaj7
G major has three notes; Gmaj7 swaps the high G for an F♯. On guitar that is one finger moving one fret on the high E string. The plain G is big and sturdy; Gmaj7 keeps the size but softens the top, adding a wistful shade. Slow songs in G or D often prefer it.
Gmaj7 chord questions
Is Gmaj7 a beginner chord?
Yes. The open shape is three fingers and no barre, a close cousin of the G chord most people already know.
What is the difference between Gmaj7 and G7?
The note on the high E string, and everything about the mood. G7 has an F natural and pulls restlessly toward C. Gmaj7 has an F♯ and settles down where it is.
Do you strum all six strings in Gmaj7?
Yes. The bass G sits on the low E string and everything above it belongs to the chord.
What songs use Gmaj7?
On this page, The Thrill Is Gone by B.B. King and the jazz standard Autumn Leaves both pass through Gmaj7. It is common anywhere jazz harmony leaks into pop and blues.
What is the difference between G and Gmaj7?
One note: Gmaj7 replaces the top G with an F♯. The chord loses a little strength and gains a soft, jazzy glow.
Chords to learn next
Other G chords
Gmaj7 guitar chord chart (320002) from melodician.com