Gmaj7 Ukulele Chord

Gmaj7 is the G major seventh chord. It has four notes: G, B, D and F sharp. The standard shape puts three fingers in a row across the 2nd fret of the C, E and A strings, with the G string ringing open as the root.

123GDF♯B

Three fingers in a row across the 2nd fret of the C, E and A strings, with the open G string as the root.

How to play Gmaj7 on ukulele, step by step

  1. Index finger: 2nd fret, C string
  2. Middle finger: 2nd fret, E string
  3. Ring finger: 2nd fret, A string
  4. Leave the G string open. Strum all four strings.

It is the open G chord with the E string note pulled back from the 3rd fret to the 2nd. Some players lay one finger flat across all three strings instead of using three; both grips are correct.

More ways to play Gmaj7

There are 3 common Gmaj7 shapes: the standard one at the top of the page, plus these further up the neck. You only ever need one. Tap any card to hear it.

Frets 3 to 6
Gmaj7 ukulele chord diagram, frets 3 to 6, played 4635

All fretted and even, with no open ring to spill over a chord change.

Frets 5 to 7
Gmaj7 ukulele chord diagram, frets 5 to 7, played 0675

Wide and sparkling, the open root glowing under the high voices.

If the row will not ring

Three fingers crowd the 2nd fret
Stack them in a diagonal, index closest to the nut, so each tip owns its string. If that stays cramped, barre the three strings with one finger.
The open G string goes dull
The index on the C string is tilting over. Curl it upright; the open string is the root and the chord is hollow without it.
It sounds like plain G
The E string finger has drifted back to the 3rd fret. The major seventh lives at the 2nd; one fret changes the whole mood.

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 sharp). The F sharp sits one half step below the root, and that gentle lean is the maj7 signature.

Gmaj7 is the I chord of G major and the IV chord of D major, so it lives in two of the most sung-in keys there are. Wherever a song in G can afford a softer home chord, this is the substitution.

G vs Gmaj7

G major is 0232 and Gmaj7 is 0222: one finger moves one fret on the E string, and the doubled root becomes an F sharp. The chord keeps its open root underneath and trades its firmness for a glow.

Walk the E string to map the family: 1st fret is G7, 2nd is Gmaj7, 3rd is plain G. Three chords that differ by a single fret, covering push, float and rest.

Gmaj7 chord questions

Can I barre Gmaj7?

Yes. All three fretted notes sit at the 2nd fret, so one finger laid across the C, E and A strings plays the chord. Handy when changes need to be fast.

What is the difference between Gmaj7 and G7?

One fret on the E string. G7 has an F natural at the 1st fret and pulls toward C; Gmaj7 has an F sharp at the 2nd and rests in place.

Do you strum all four strings in Gmaj7?

Yes. The open G is the root and the three fretted notes supply the fifth, seventh and third.

Is Gmaj7 a beginner chord?

Yes. Three fingers at one fret, or a single small barre, next to an open string: it is no harder than plain G and often cleaner.

What keys use Gmaj7?

It is the I chord of G major and the IV chord of D major, two keys a ukulele capos and sings in constantly.

Chords to learn next

Other G chords