Also written BmMaj7, Bminmaj7 or Bmmaj7
B minor major 7th is built from B, D, F♯ and A♯. The 7th-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.
B 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 B minor, which stops at the ♭7.
B minor major 7th works as a passing chord in minor keys, often between B minor and C♯ minor 7th flat 5th. It suits jazz ballads and film-noir textures where the major 7th adds a bittersweet lift.
The 7th-fret voicing puts B in the bass for a clear root position. The F♯ inversion at the 2nd fret places the fifth in the bass, creating a more open sound.
B minor major 7th is played at the 7th fret as 7 9 8 7: index finger on the E string at fret 7, pinky finger on the A string at fret 9, ring finger on the D string at fret 8 and middle finger on the G string at fret 7.
Tip — The pinky must stretch to the 9th fret on the A string while the index holds the 7th fret on the E string.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7 | 1 | B (1) |
| 3 (A) | 9 | 4 | F♯ (5) |
| 2 (D) | 8 | 3 | A♯ (7) |
| 1 (G) | 7 | 2 | D (♭3) |
B minor major 7th is played in open position as 2 2 0 3: index finger on the E string at fret 2, middle finger on the A string at fret 2 and ring finger on the G string at fret 3. The D string rings open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2 | 1 | F♯ (5) |
| 3 (A) | 2 | 2 | B (1) |
| 2 (D) | open | — | D (♭3) |
| 1 (G) | 3 | 3 | A♯ (7) |
B minor major 7th is played at the 4th fret as 6 5 4 4: barre your index finger across fret 4, ring finger on the E string at fret 6 and middle finger on the A string at fret 5.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 6 | 3 | A♯ (7) |
| 3 (A) | 5 | 2 | D (♭3) |
| 2 (D) | 4 | 1 (barre) | F♯ (5) |
| 1 (G) | 4 | 1 (barre) | B (1) |
B minor major 7th is written Bmmaj7, mmaj7, mM7 or Bminmaj7. It is also called Minor Sharp 7 or Minor ♯7.
B minor major 7th has a major 7th (A♯), while B minor 7th has a minor 7th (A). The major 7th creates a sharper, more dissonant sound.
Yes, in B harmonic minor or B melodic minor, B minor major 7th is the tonic chord. It provides a strong sense of resolution with a distinctive color.