Minor Major Seventh chord - ukulele
The minor major seventh chord (m(maj7) or mΔ7) combines a minor triad with a major seventh. This combination creates a sound both dark and bright, characteristic of the harmonic minor mode.
Intervals
| Degree | I | ♭III | V | VII |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interval | Root | Minor third | Perfect fifth | Major seventh |
| Semitones | 0 | 3 | 7 | 11 |
Formula 1 - ♭3 - 5 - 7
Theory
The m(maj7) chord comes from the harmonic minor scale. C m(maj7) = C-E♭-G-B, A m(maj7) = A-C-E-G♯. The semitone interval between the minor third and major seventh creates distinctive tension. It often appears as a minor tonic chord or in cinematic contexts.
Examples
Example: Do Minor Major Seventh
Open position
Styles
Mmaj7 construction
Formula 1 - 3b - 5 - 7: minor triad + major seventh. Example Am(maj7): A - C - E - G#. Mysterious, cinematic color.
Learning
Harmonic minor scale. Im(maj7)-Im7 progressions. Cinematic and dramatic context.
How to play
Rare but expressive. Ascending harmonic minor. Film music, bossa nova (Im(maj7)). Unique tension between minor third and major seventh.