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F major 7th chord on bass (Fmaj7)
Also called or 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.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, 5, 7
How do you play an F major 7th chord on bass?
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| 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) |
AdvancedThe pinky must reach the 3rd fret on the 3rd string while the index stays at the 1st fret, creating a wide span.
13th fret
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| 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) |
Fmaj7/C inversion
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| 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) |
Fmaj7/E inversion · open position
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| 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) |
Fmaj7/E inversion · fret 10
F major 7th is played at the 10th fret as 12 12 10 10: ring finger on the E string at fret 12, pinky finger on the A string at fret 12, index finger on the D string at fret 10 and middle 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) | 10 | 1 | C (5) |
| 1 (G) | 10 | 2 | F (1) |
Why it sounds like that
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.
What goes wrong with F major 7th?
- Letting the pinky land flat and mute the 2nd string.
- Pulling the index finger off the 4th string when reaching with the pinky.
- Striking the 3rd string too softly so the A note is lost.
When to use it
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.
Changing to and from F major 7th
- Sliding the shape up one fret to the 2nd fret gives F♯ major 7th.
- From F major 7th, lift the pinky and move the middle and ring fingers to the 1st fret to play F major.
Which voicing to use
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.
Other F chords
Common questions
How is F major 7th written?
F major 7th is written FM7 or Fmaj7.
What is the hardest part of F major 7th?
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.
How does F major 7th differ from F major?
F major 7th adds the E, the major 7th, to the F major triad. That note creates a more sophisticated, jazzy sound.
Can F major 7th be played in a lower register?
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.