How to Play a Maj7 Chord on the Guitar

So you're ready to add some sophistication to your guitar playing, huh? The Maj7 chord is just the ticket. It's smooth, jazzy, and can transform a basic chord progression into something special. In this article, we'll tackle everything you need to know about playing the Maj7 chord on the guitar. From finger placement to strumming techniques, we've got you covered.

What Exactly is a Maj7 Chord?

Before you start shaping those fingers, let's talk a bit about what a Maj7 chord is. It stands for "Major 7th," and it adds a little color to the regular major chord. You know how a regular major chord has a happy, uplifting vibe? Well, throw a major 7th into the mix, and suddenly you’re in the realm of sophistication and jazziness.

A Maj7 chord is built with four notes: the root, the major third, the perfect fifth, and the major seventh. So, in a C Maj7 chord, the notes are C, E, G, and B. It's that B note—the major seventh—that gives the Maj7 chord its distinctive, smooth sound.

Where to Put Your Fingers

Okay, time to get those fingers moving. Let's look at a few common shapes for the Maj7 chord, starting with the ones you'll use most often. We'll focus on the C Maj7 shape initially, as it's a good starting point.

C Maj7 Open Position

The open position C Maj7 chord is great for beginners because it's simple yet effective. Here's how you do it:

• Place your index finger on the first fret of the B string (2nd string).
• Leave the G string (3rd string) open.
• Place your middle finger on the second fret of the D string (4th string).
• Leave the A string (5th string) open.
• Do not play the low E string (6th string).

Strum from the A string down, and there you have it—a C Maj7 chord in all its glory.

Movable Maj7 Shapes

Once you're comfortable with the open position, it's time to move up the fretboard. Movable shapes are handy because you can play them anywhere to get different Maj7 chords. Let's check out a couple of these.

Root on the E String

For this shape, your root note is on the low E string. Here's what the G Maj7 looks like:

• Place your index finger on the third fret of the low E string (G).
• Place your ring finger on the fourth fret of the D string (F#).
• Place your pinky on the fourth fret of the G string (B).
• Place your middle finger on the third fret of the B string (D).

Mute the A string and the high E string. Strum the strings you’ve pressed and listen to that smooth, jazzy sound.

Root on the A String

This shape has the root note on the A string and is just as versatile. Let's use D Maj7 as an example:

• Place your middle finger on the fifth fret of the A string (D).
• Place your index finger on the fourth fret of the D string (C#).
• Place your ring finger on the sixth fret of the G string (F#).
• Place your pinky on the fifth fret of the B string (A).

Mute the low E and high E strings. Strum the notes you’ve pressed, and there you have your D Maj7 chord.

Why Maj7 Chords Sound So Good

Maj7 chords have a unique sound that stands out because of their emotional depth. It's like adding a touch of melancholy to your music, which can make a simple progression feel more complex and interesting. If you think about it, a Maj7 chord can be the musical equivalent of a bittersweet memory—it’s happy, yet there’s a hint of yearning.

In jazz and bossa nova, Maj7 chords are practically a staple. They create that warm, lush sound that makes you feel like you’re sipping coffee at a cozy café. But don’t limit yourself to these genres. Maj7 chords can also add a touch of class to rock, pop, or even metal when used creatively.

Strumming and Picking Patterns

Once you’re comfortable with placing your fingers, it’s time to bring those chords to life with some strumming and picking. The right pattern can make all the difference.

Basic Strumming Patterns

For beginners, start with a basic down-up-down-up pattern. Keep it smooth and consistent. Maj7 chords work well with softer dynamics, so aim for a gentler touch. You don’t want to bash these out like power chords!

Fingerpicking Patterns

If you’re feeling more adventurous, try fingerpicking. A simple arpeggiated pattern can highlight the individual notes in the chord, giving it a delicate texture.

• Start with your thumb plucking the root note.
• Use your index finger on the G string.
• Your middle finger can handle the B string.
• Finish with your ring finger on the high E string.

Experiment with the order of strings and see what sounds best to you. Fingerpicking can really showcase the beauty of a Maj7 chord.

Chord Progressions with Maj7

Now that you know how to play Maj7 chords, let’s see where they fit in a progression. They work beautifully either as standalone chords or as part of a series. Here are some progressions to try:

• C - Cmaj7 - F - G
• Am - Dm - G - Cmaj7
• Em - A7 - Dmaj7
• Gmaj7 - Cmaj7 - F#m7

Notice how the Maj7 chords add a layer of sophistication and depth to these progressions? They can turn a simple song into something memorable and unique.

Advanced Techniques: Sliding and Bending

Once you’ve nailed the basics, you can start incorporating some advanced techniques like sliding and bending to add flair to your Maj7 chords.

Sliding into the Chord

Sliding into a Maj7 chord can give your playing a more polished, professional sound. Start by playing a half step below your target chord and slide up into it. This creates a smooth transition and adds a jazzy feel.

Bending Notes

Bending can also add expressiveness to your Maj7 chords. Try bending the major seventh note slightly to create tension. This works exceptionally well in slow ballads or jazz pieces, where every note counts.

Using Maj7 Chords in Metal

You might think Maj7 chords are just for jazz or pop, but they can also find a place in metal music, especially in subgenres like progressive metal. These chords can add complexity and emotion to a section, creating contrast with the heavier parts.

Take a cue from bands that incorporate a wide range of dynamics and textures. A well-placed Maj7 chord can be the calm before the storm or the introspective moment in an otherwise aggressive track.

By the way, Riffhard has some amazing lessons from top-tier metal guitarists that explore how to incorporate these kinds of chords into your playing.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Playing Maj7 chords might seem straightforward, but there are a few common pitfalls you should watch out for.

Muting Unwanted Strings

One of the most frequent issues guitarists face is hitting strings they shouldn’t. Make sure you’re muting the strings you’re not playing. Use the flesh of your fingers or your palm to keep those strings quiet.

Proper Finger Placement

Place your fingers as close to the fret as possible without touching it. This ensures a clean sound without any buzzing or muted notes. If you find any notes are muted or buzzing, adjust your fingers slightly.

Experiment and Make It Your Own

Maj7 chords offer a world of possibilities. Experiment with different voicings and positions on the fretboard to see what sounds best to you. You can even try altering some notes to create variations like Maj9 or Maj13 chords.

Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box. The more you experiment, the more you’ll find your unique sound. And if you're looking to take your guitar skills further, Riffhard offers lessons that push the boundaries of modern metal guitar.

Final Thoughts

Maj7 chords are a fantastic way to add richness and sophistication to your guitar playing, regardless of the genre. They're versatile and can be adapted to fit various styles, from jazz to metal. If you're looking to expand your chord vocabulary and explore new sonic landscapes, incorporating Maj7 chords into your repertoire is a great step. And remember, at Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the world's best metal guitarists to help you refine your technique and explore new musical territories.