A major seventh chord is a type of seventh chord that has a somewhat sharp but lush sound. It’s created by combining a major triad with an added major seventh interval. For instance for Cmaj7 that would be: C - E - G - B, or Gmaj7: G - B - D - F#.
TIP: Scroll down below to transpose this chord in any key!
Usage
Major seventh chords have been common in jazz since the 1920s. They also appeared in other genres influenced by jazz, such as traditional pop, bossa nova, and easy listening. In the 1970s, major seventh chords replaced dominant seventh chords as a stable tonic in various styles, including soul, country rock, soft rock, funk, and disco1.
Examples
Erik Satie’s Gymnopédies: In 1888, French composer Erik Satie composed three slow waltzes called “Gymnopédies.” The first of these alternates between Gmaj7 and Dmaj7 chords.
Popular Songs: Major seventh chords appear in various genres and famous songs. Some examples include:
- Henry Mancini’s “Theme from Charlie’s Angels”
- Joseph Kosma’s “Autumn Leaves”
- The Beatles’ “This Boy”
- Eagles’ “One of These Nights”
- America’s “Tin Man”
- Paul McCartney and Wings’ “Band On The Run”
- Norah Jones's "Don't know why"
Play
Basically you can use a maj7 when a major triad needs to be played. Do you have sheet music with the chords | C% | F% | G% | C% | then you can replace the C and F for a Cmaj7 and Fmaj7. This is because the first and fourth degrees of the major church scales have a major seven chord.
Beware: the sharp sound of the major seventh could be unwanted in certain styles or with particular melodies
In detail
Do you want to know exactly how the major seven chord works? Then scroll further.
