Also written Fmaj7 or FM7
F major 7th contains F, A, C, and E. The 1st-fret shape requires a wide stretch from the index to the pinky.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
F major 7th is built from the 1, 3, 5, and 7 of the F major scale. The major 7th interval from F to E gives the chord its smooth, resolved character. Compare it to F major, which lacks the E and sounds more plain.
F major 7th functions as the I chord in F major, heard in F–B♭–C–F, the I–IV–V–I. It fits jazz standards, R&B, and mellow pop. Use it over F major or F 5th.
The 1st-fret shape keeps F in the bass for a solid root position. The Fmaj7/C inversion at the 8th fret puts C in the bass, making the chord feel lighter. The Fmaj7/E inversion at the 12th fret has the leading tone E in the bass, adding pull toward F.
F major 7th is played at the 1st fret as 1 3 2 2: index finger on the E string at fret 1, pinky finger on the A string at fret 3, middle finger on the D string at fret 2 and ring finger on the G string at fret 2.
Tip — The pinky must reach the 3rd fret on the 3rd string while the index stays at the 1st fret, creating a wide span.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 1 | 1 | F (1) |
| 3 (A) | 3 | 4 | C (5) |
| 2 (D) | 2 | 2 | E (7) |
| 1 (G) | 2 | 3 | A (3) |
F major 7th is played at the 13th fret as 13 15 14 14: index finger on the E string at fret 13, pinky finger on the A string at fret 15, middle finger on the D string at fret 14 and ring finger on the G string at fret 14.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 13 | 1 | F (1) |
| 3 (A) | 15 | 4 | C (5) |
| 2 (D) | 14 | 2 | E (7) |
| 1 (G) | 14 | 3 | A (3) |
F major 7th is played at the 7th fret as 8 8 7 9: middle finger on the E string at fret 8, ring 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.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8 | 2 | C (5) |
| 3 (A) | 8 | 3 | F (1) |
| 2 (D) | 7 | 1 | A (3) |
| 1 (G) | 9 | 4 | E (7) |
F major 7th is played in open position as 0 3 3 2: middle finger on the A string at fret 3, ring finger on the D string at fret 3 and index finger on the G string at fret 2. The E string rings open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | open | — | E (7) |
| 3 (A) | 3 | 2 | C (5) |
| 2 (D) | 3 | 3 | F (1) |
| 1 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (3) |
F major 7th is played at the 10th fret as 12 12 10 10: barre your index finger across fret 10, middle finger on the E string at fret 12 and ring finger on the A string at fret 12.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 12 | 2 | E (7) |
| 3 (A) | 12 | 3 | A (3) |
| 2 (D) | 10 | 1 (barre) | C (5) |
| 1 (G) | 10 | 1 (barre) | F (1) |
F major 7th is written FM7 or Fmaj7.
The hardest part is stretching the pinky to the 3rd fret while keeping the index on the 1st fret. Practice the stretch slowly to build flexibility.
F major 7th adds the E, the major 7th, to the F major triad. That note creates a more sophisticated, jazzy sound.
Yes, the Fmaj7/E inversion at the 0th fret uses open strings and sits lower on the neck. It sounds warmer and is easier to reach.