Playing the F#maj7 Piano Chord
The F#maj7 chord is a major 7th chord built on the root F#. It contains 4 notes: F#, A#, C#, 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 F#maj7 chord opens up countless songs and progressions in the key of F#.
Piano Finger Positions for F#maj7
For the F#maj7 seventh chord, use these finger positions:
- Right hand (root position): Thumb (1) on F#, middle finger (3) on A#, pinky (5) on C#.
- Left hand (root position): Pinky (5) on F#, middle finger (3) on A#, thumb (1) on C#.
- Arpeggiated: Play the notes sequentially from lowest to highest for a broken seventh effect.
F#maj7 Chord Inversions
Inversions change the bass note while keeping the same harmonic quality:
| Inversion | Bass Note | Notes (bottom to top) | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | F# | F# – A# – C# – F | Most stable |
| 1st | A# | A# – C# – F – F# | Lighter, less stable |
| 2nd | C# | C# – F – F# – A# | Open, airy |
Interval Structure of F#maj7
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note in F# |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | Root (R) | 0 | F# |
| 3rd | Major 3rd | 4 | A# |
| 5th | Perfect 5th | 7 | C# |
| 7th | Major 7th | 11 | F |
Common Progressions with F#maj7 on Piano
- I–IV–V–I: F#maj7 – Bmaj7 – C#maj7 – F#maj7 (classic cadence)
- I–V–vi–IV: F#maj7 – C# – D#m – B (pop progression)
- ii–V–I: G#m – C# – F#maj7 (jazz turnaround)