Major Seventh chord - charango
The major seventh chord (maj7 or Δ7) is a four-note chord formed by a major triad and a major seventh. It produces a stable and sophisticated sound.
Intervals
| Degree | I | III | V | VII |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interval | Root | Major third | Perfect fifth | Major seventh |
| Semitones | 0 | 4 | 7 | 11 |
Formula 1 - 3 - 5 - 7
Theory
The maj7 chord adds a major seventh (11 semitones) to the major triad. C maj7 = C-E-G-B, D maj7 = D-F♯-A-C♯. Unlike the dominant chord, it contains no tritone and remains consonant. The fifth can be omitted to create a more open voicing.
Examples
Example: Do Major Seventh
Open position
Styles
Maj7 chord construction
Formula 1 - 3 - 5 - 7: major triad + major seventh (11 semitones). Example Cmaj7: C - E - G - B. Sophisticated and stable sound, jazz characteristic.
Learning
1) Compare maj7 vs 7 (C maj7 vs C7) 2) Imaj7-vi-ii-V progressions 3) Jazz ballads 4) Bossa nova (Imaj7-IIm7).
How to play
Open positions (Cmaj7, Gmaj7) and barres. Minor second interval between third and major seventh (E-B) creates distinctive color. Jazz: tonic chord (Imaj7).