Also 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.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tip — The pinky must reach the 5th fret on the 3rd string while the index stays at the 3rd fret, creating a wide span.
| 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) |
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.
| 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) |
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.
| 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) |
G major 7th is played at the 12th fret as 14 14 12 12: barre your index finger across fret 12, middle finger on the E string at fret 14 and ring finger on the A string at fret 14.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 14 | 2 | F♯ (7) |
| 3 (A) | 14 | 3 | B (3) |
| 2 (D) | 12 | 1 (barre) | D (5) |
| 1 (G) | 12 | 1 (barre) | G (1) |
G major 7th is written GM7 or Gmaj7.
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.
G major 7th adds the F♯, the major 7th, to the G major triad. That note creates a more sophisticated, jazzy sound.
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.