How to Play the Gmaj7 Chord

The G major seventh chord (often written as Gmaj7) is predominantly found in blues and rock songs due to its rustic warmth and tender resonance. It’s a peaceful chord that has a full, hearty sound that leaves players and listeners feeling calm and satisfied. Let’s take a look at how to play the Gmaj7.

Playing the Gmaj7 Chord

The Gmaj7 chord is predominantly found in blues and rock songs. This chord can be played a few different ways, using different finger positions along the fretboard. Let’s learn two different ways to play the chord.

To play the Gmaj7 open position, start by placing your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string. Next, place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string. Leave sthe B, G and D strings open, while muting the A string.

Muting the A string can be accomplished by butting your middle finger slightly against the string from its position on the low E.

Strum all six strings down from the low E string. You can see this laid out below.

• Index finger: 2nd fret of the E (1st) string

• Middle finger: 3rd fret of the low E (6th) string

Mute the A string and strum all six strings down from the low E string.

The Gmaj7 open position is an easier progression for beginners, so once you’ve mastered that arrangement you can move to the Gmaj7 3rd position.

Playing Gmaj7 in the 3rd Position

To play the Gmaj7 3rd position chord, start by placing your index finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string. Next, place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the B string.

Finally, place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the D string and slide your pinky over to the 4th fret of the G string.

Strum five strings down from the low E string, muting the A string - a technique that carries over from the open version of this chord. Make sure you don't play the high E string.

• Index finger: 3rd fret of the low E (6th) string

• Middle finger: 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string

• Ring finger: 4th fret of the D (4th) string

• Pinky finger: 4th fret of the G (3rd) string

Mute the A string and strum five strings down from the low E (6th) string.

What Notes Make up the Gmaj7 Chord?

The Gmaj7 chord is composed of four notes:

G, B, D and F#

This quartet of notes are responsible for its warm and tender sound.

Songs That Use the Gmaj7 Chord

Jangly acoustic guitar and a hearty bass perfectly bring the Gmaj7 chord into vibrant focus in in Bread’s “Baby I’m-a Want You.” All that’s missing is a nice, roaring fire to play next to and get into a ‘70s pop-rock groove.

With an almost funk-style acoustic chord progression, Little River Band’s “Reminiscing” is an excellent use of the Gmaj7 chord. It’s a slow jam session that features a cordial blending of instruments to give the listener that warm and welcoming major 7th feeling.

“Under the Pressure” by The War On Drugs blurs the genre lines of indie rock and folk giving the guitars a calm and tender sound in large part due to the chord selection and progression, including Gmaj7, while the bass and drums keep the song determined to drive forward.

As Motopony’s song “Wait for Me” continues to build throughout its nearly five-minute runtime, Gmaj7’s influence can be heard in the acoustic guitar, complemented by the ebbs and flows of the percussion that pulsates throughout the song. Motopony’s neo-psychedelic sound is the perfect playground for the Gmaj7’s breezy, laid back sound.

The Gmaj7 also finds its way into a number of Steely Dan tracks, including “Dr. Wu.” The chord’s smooth, jazzy sound makes it a natural fit for Steely Dan’s fusion-based style.

Warm, with an unexpected twist, the Gmaj7 chord can be a welcome addition to your chord vocabulary. As an added bonus, it teaches beginner guitarists the technique of string muting while challenging more advanced players to refine their finger positioning. Learn more guitar chords and to play songs you love with Fender Play.

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