Playing the Gmaj7 Piano Chord
The Gmaj7 chord is a major 7th chord built on the root G. It contains 4 notes: G, B, D, F#. On piano, this chord is played by pressing these keys simultaneously or as an arpeggio.
A major triad with a major seventh. Warm, sophisticated sound used in jazz and R&B. Mastering the Gmaj7 chord opens up countless songs and progressions in the key of G.
Piano Finger Positions for Gmaj7
For the Gmaj7 seventh chord, use these finger positions:
- Right hand (root position): Thumb (1) on G, middle finger (3) on B, pinky (5) on D.
- Left hand (root position): Pinky (5) on G, middle finger (3) on B, thumb (1) on D.
- Arpeggiated: Play the notes sequentially from lowest to highest for a broken seventh effect.
Gmaj7 Chord Inversions
Inversions change the bass note while keeping the same harmonic quality:
| Inversion | Bass Note | Notes (bottom to top) | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | G | G – B – D – F# | Most stable |
| 1st | B | B – D – F# – G | Lighter, less stable |
| 2nd | D | D – F# – G – B | Open, airy |
Interval Structure of Gmaj7
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note in G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | Root (R) | 0 | G |
| 3rd | Major 3rd | 4 | B |
| 5th | Perfect 5th | 7 | D |
| 7th | Major 7th | 11 | F# |
Common Progressions with Gmaj7 on Piano
- I–IV–V–I: Gmaj7 – Cmaj7 – Dmaj7 – Gmaj7 (classic cadence)
- I–V–vi–IV: Gmaj7 – D – Em – C (pop progression)
- ii–V–I: Am – D – Gmaj7 (jazz turnaround)