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G major 7th chord on bass (Gmaj7)
Also called or written Gmaj7 or GM7
G major 7th contains G, B, D, and F♯. The 3rd-fret shape requires a wide stretch from the index to the pinky.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, 5, 7
- Root positionG–B–D–F♯Gmaj73-5-4-4
- First inversionB–D–F♯–GGmaj7/Bno shape on this instrument
- Second inversionD–F♯–G–BGmaj7/D10-10-9-11
- Third inversionF♯–G–B–DGmaj7/F♯2-2-0-0
How do you play a G major 7th chord on bass?
G major 7th is played at the 3rd fret as 3 5 4 4: index finger on the E string at fret 3, pinky finger on the A string at fret 5, middle finger on the D string at fret 4 and ring finger on the G string at fret 4.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3 | 1 | G (1) |
| 3 (A) | 5 | 4 | D (5) |
| 2 (D) | 4 | 2 | F♯ (7) |
| 1 (G) | 4 | 3 | B (3) |
AdvancedThe pinky must reach the 5th fret on the 3rd string while the index stays at the 3rd fret, creating a wide span.
Gmaj7/D inversion
G major 7th is played at the 9th fret as 10 10 9 11: middle finger on the E string at fret 10, ring finger on the A string at fret 10, index finger on the D string at fret 9 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 11.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10 | 2 | D (5) |
| 3 (A) | 10 | 3 | G (1) |
| 2 (D) | 9 | 1 | B (3) |
| 1 (G) | 11 | 4 | F♯ (7) |
Gmaj7/F♯ inversion · open position
G major 7th is played in open position as 2 2 0 0: index finger on the E string at fret 2 and middle finger on the A string at fret 2. The D and G strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2 | 1 | F♯ (7) |
| 3 (A) | 2 | 2 | B (3) |
| 2 (D) | open | — | D (5) |
| 1 (G) | open | — | G (1) |
Gmaj7/F♯ inversion · fret 12
G major 7th is played at the 12th fret as 14 14 12 12: ring finger on the E string at fret 14, pinky finger on the A string at fret 14, index finger on the D string at fret 12 and middle finger on the G string at fret 12.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 14 | 3 | F♯ (7) |
| 3 (A) | 14 | 4 | B (3) |
| 2 (D) | 12 | 1 | D (5) |
| 1 (G) | 12 | 2 | G (1) |
Why it sounds like that
G major 7th is built from the 1, 3, 5, and 7 of the G major scale. The major 7th interval from G to F♯ gives the chord its smooth, resolved character. Compare it to G major, which lacks the F♯ and sounds more plain.
What goes wrong with G 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 B note is lost.
When to use it
G major 7th functions as the I chord in G major, heard in G–C–D–G, the I–IV–V–I. It fits jazz standards, R&B, and mellow pop. Use it over G major or G 5th.
Changing to and from G major 7th
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 2nd fret gives F♯ major 7th.
- From G major 7th, lift the pinky and move the middle and ring fingers to the 3rd fret to play G major.
Which voicing to use
The 3rd-fret shape keeps G in the bass for a solid root position. The Gmaj7/D inversion at the 10th fret puts D in the bass, making the chord feel lighter. The Gmaj7/F♯ inversion at the 2nd fret has the leading tone F♯ in the bass, adding pull toward G.
Other G chords
Common questions
How is G major 7th written?
G major 7th is written GM7 or Gmaj7.
What is the hardest part of G major 7th?
The hardest part is stretching the pinky to the 5th fret while keeping the index on the 3rd fret. Practice the stretch slowly to build flexibility.
How does G major 7th differ from G major?
G major 7th adds the F♯, the major 7th, to the G major triad. That note creates a more sophisticated, jazzy sound.
Can G major 7th be played in a lower register?
Yes, the Gmaj7/F♯ inversion at the 2nd fret uses open strings and sits lower on the neck. It sounds warmer and is easier to reach.