Also written AmMaj7, Aminmaj7 or Ammaj7
A minor major 7th is built from A, C, E and G♯. The 5th-fret shape stretches the fretting hand across four frets, making it a demanding bass voicing.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
A minor major 7th is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 7. The ♭3 gives it the minor quality, while the major 7th adds a sharp, tense edge. Compare with A minor, which stops at the ♭7.
A minor major 7th works as a passing chord in minor keys, often between A minor and B minor 7th flat 5th. It suits jazz ballads and film-noir textures where the major 7th adds a bittersweet lift.
The 5th-fret voicing puts A in the bass for a clear root position. The G♯ inversion at the 4th fret places the major 7th in the bass, creating a darker, more unstable sound.
A minor major 7th is played at the 5th fret as 5 7 6 5: index finger on the E string at fret 5, pinky finger on the A string at fret 7, ring finger on the D string at fret 6 and middle finger on the G string at fret 5.
Tip — The pinky must stretch to the 7th fret on the A string while the index holds the 5th fret on the E string.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5 | 1 | A (1) |
| 3 (A) | 7 | 4 | E (5) |
| 2 (D) | 6 | 3 | G♯ (7) |
| 1 (G) | 5 | 2 | C (♭3) |
A minor major 7th is played at the 2nd fret as 4 3 2 2: barre your index finger across fret 2, ring finger on the E string at fret 4 and middle finger on the A string at fret 3.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4 | 3 | G♯ (7) |
| 3 (A) | 3 | 2 | C (♭3) |
| 2 (D) | 2 | 1 (barre) | E (5) |
| 1 (G) | 2 | 1 (barre) | A (1) |
A minor major 7th is written Ammaj7, mmaj7, mM7 or Aminmaj7. It is also called Minor Sharp 7 or Minor ♯7.
A minor major 7th has a major 7th (G♯), while A minor 7th has a minor 7th (G). The major 7th creates a sharper, more dissonant sound.
Yes, in A harmonic minor or A melodic minor, A minor major 7th is the tonic chord. It provides a strong sense of resolution with a distinctive color.