B Major seventh sharp fifth

The major seventh sharp fifth chord replaces the perfect fifth of maj7 with an augmented fifth (1-3-♯5-7). It blends major-seventh brightness with the restless shimmer of an augmented triad interior—useful in jazz, fusion, and film scoring when a major center needs a “lifted” fifth that wants to resolve by semitone.

Construction

Formula: 1-3-♯5-7. In Cmaj7(♯5), spell C-E-G♯-B (readability may use enharmonic equivalents).

Usage

Color on I or IV, passing chords between clearer major voicings, and altered lines derived from whole-tone or augmented scales.

Examples

• Fusion keyboard voicings
• Film scoring for luminous unease
• Jazz reharmonizations on major pedals

Play

Keep the major seventh clear; avoid doubling ♯5 in dense registers.

Ear-training cues

Major seventh sound with a widened fifth.