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F augmented major 7th chord on bass (FaugMaj7)
Also called or written FaugMaj7, FaugM7, F+M7, FM7#5, Fmaj+7, F augmented major seventh or F major seventh sharp five
F augmented major 7th is built from F, A, C♯ and E. The default voicing requires a wide stretch and careful intonation on the high frets.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♯5, 7
- Root positionF–A–C♯–EFaugMaj7no shape on this instrument
- First inversionA–C♯–E–FFaugMaj7/Ano shape on this instrument
- Second inversionC♯–E–F–AFaugMaj7/C♯9-8-7-9
- Third inversionE–F–A–C♯FaugMaj7/E12-12-11-10
How do you play an F augmented major 7th chord on bass?
F augmented major 7th is played at the 7th fret as 9 8 7 9: ring finger on the E string at fret 9, middle finger on the A string at fret 8, index finger on the D string at fret 7 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 9.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9 | 3 | C♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (A) | 8 | 2 | F (1) |
| 2 (D) | 7 | 1 | A (3) |
| 1 (G) | 9 | 4 | E (7) |
AdvancedThe pinky must reach the 9th fret on the 1st string while the index holds the 7th fret on the 2nd string, creating a wide stretch.
FaugM7/E inversion
F augmented major 7th is played at the 10th fret as 12 12 11 10: ring finger on the E string at fret 12, pinky finger on the A string at fret 12, middle finger on the D string at fret 11 and index finger on the G string at fret 10.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 12 | 3 | E (7) |
| 3 (A) | 12 | 4 | A (3) |
| 2 (D) | 11 | 2 | C♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (G) | 10 | 1 | F (1) |
Why it sounds like that
F augmented major 7th is built as 1–3–♯5–7, with major thirds between F and A, and A and C♯. The raised fifth C♯ gives the chord its augmented tension, while the major seventh E adds brightness. Compare F major 7th, which has a perfect fifth C.
What goes wrong with F augmented major 7th?
- Letting the pinky collapse onto the 1st string, causing a buzz.
- Allowing the index finger to touch the 3rd string, deadening the A.
When to use it
F augmented major 7th works as a passing chord between F major and A major, or as a substitute for F major 7th in jazz. Its bright, tense sound suits modern jazz and fusion.
Changing to and from F augmented major 7th
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 5th fret gives E♭ augmented major 7th.
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 6th fret gives E augmented major 7th.
Which voicing to use
The C♯ inversion places the augmented fifth in the bass, creating a restless, upward-pulling sound. The E inversion puts the major seventh in the bass, which darkens the chord and works well for descending bass lines.
Other F chords
Common questions
How is F augmented major 7th written?
F augmented major 7th is written F+M7, M7#5, maj+7, or FaugM7. It is also called augmented major seventh or major seventh sharp five.
What is the difference between F augmented major 7th and F augmented?
F augmented major 7th adds the major seventh E to the augmented triad F–A–C♯. F augmented lacks the seventh, so it has less harmonic pull.
Why does F augmented major 7th sound unstable?
The augmented fifth C♯ creates a symmetrical division of the octave, leaving no clear tonal centre. The major seventh E adds further tension, making the chord want to resolve.