Playing the Bmaj7 Piano Chord
The Bmaj7 chord is a major 7th chord built on the root B. It contains 4 notes: B, D#, F#, A#. 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 Bmaj7 chord opens up countless songs and progressions in the key of B.
Piano Finger Positions for Bmaj7
For the Bmaj7 seventh chord, use these finger positions:
- Right hand (root position): Thumb (1) on B, middle finger (3) on D#, pinky (5) on F#.
- Left hand (root position): Pinky (5) on B, middle finger (3) on D#, thumb (1) on F#.
- Arpeggiated: Play the notes sequentially from lowest to highest for a broken seventh effect.
Bmaj7 Chord Inversions
Inversions change the bass note while keeping the same harmonic quality:
| Inversion | Bass Note | Notes (bottom to top) | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | B | B – D# – F# – A# | Most stable |
| 1st | D# | D# – F# – A# – B | Lighter, less stable |
| 2nd | F# | F# – A# – B – D# | Open, airy |
Interval Structure of Bmaj7
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note in B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | Root (R) | 0 | B |
| 3rd | Major 3rd | 4 | D# |
| 5th | Perfect 5th | 7 | F# |
| 7th | Major 7th | 11 | A# |
Common Progressions with Bmaj7 on Piano
- I–IV–V–I: Bmaj7 – Emaj7 – F#maj7 – Bmaj7 (classic cadence)
- I–V–vi–IV: Bmaj7 – F# – G#m – E (pop progression)
- ii–V–I: C#m – F# – Bmaj7 (jazz turnaround)