Playing the Fmaj7 Piano Chord
The Fmaj7 chord is a major 7th chord built on the root F. It contains 4 notes: F, A, C, E. 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 Fmaj7 chord opens up countless songs and progressions in the key of F.
Piano Finger Positions for Fmaj7
For the Fmaj7 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.
Fmaj7 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 – E | Most stable |
| 1st | A | A – C – E – F | Lighter, less stable |
| 2nd | C | C – E – F – A | Open, airy |
Interval Structure of Fmaj7
| 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 | E |
Common Progressions with Fmaj7 on Piano
- I–IV–V–I: Fmaj7 – A#maj7 – Cmaj7 – Fmaj7 (classic cadence)
- I–V–vi–IV: Fmaj7 – C – Dm – A# (pop progression)
- ii–V–I: Gm – C – Fmaj7 (jazz turnaround)