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G minor major 7th chord on bass (GmMaj7)
Also called or written GmMaj7, Gminmaj7, Gmmaj7, GmM7, G Minor Sharp 7 or G Minor ♯7
G minor major 7th is built from G, B♭, D and F♯. The 3rd-fret shape demands a wide pinky stretch, so it is not a first chord.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 7
How do you play a G minor major 7th chord on bass?
G minor major 7th is played at the 3rd fret as 3 5 4 3: index finger on the E string at fret 3, pinky finger on the A string at fret 5, ring finger on the D string at fret 4 and middle finger on the G string at fret 3.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3 | 1 | G (1) |
| 3 (A) | 5 | 4 | D (5) |
| 2 (D) | 4 | 3 | F♯ (7) |
| 1 (G) | 3 | 2 | B♭ (♭3) |
AdvancedThe pinky must reach the 5th fret on the A string while the index holds the 3rd fret on the E string.
Gminmaj7/F♯ inversion · open position
G minor major 7th is played in open position as 2 1 0 0: middle finger on the E string at fret 2 and index finger on the A string at fret 1. The D and G strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2 | 2 | F♯ (7) |
| 3 (A) | 1 | 1 | B♭ (♭3) |
| 2 (D) | open | — | D (5) |
| 1 (G) | open | — | G (1) |
Gminmaj7/F♯ inversion · fret 12
G minor major 7th is played at the 12th fret as 14 13 12 12: pinky finger on the E string at fret 14, ring finger on the A string at fret 13, 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 | 4 | F♯ (7) |
| 3 (A) | 13 | 3 | B♭ (♭3) |
| 2 (D) | 12 | 1 | D (5) |
| 1 (G) | 12 | 2 | G (1) |
Why it sounds like that
G minor major 7th is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 7. The ♭3 gives it the minor quality, while the major 7th adds a sharp, tense edge. Compare with G minor, which stops at the ♭7.
What goes wrong with G minor major 7th?
- Letting the pinky collapse so the 5th fret on the A string buzzes.
- Arching the middle finger onto the D string, deadening the 4th fret.
- Rushing the stretch so the index finger slides sharp from the 3rd fret.
When to use it
G minor major 7th works as a passing chord in minor keys, often between G minor and A minor 7th flat 5th. It suits jazz ballads and film-noir textures where the major 7th adds a bittersweet lift.
Changing to and from G minor major 7th
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 1st fret gives F minor major 7th.
- Sliding the shape up one fret to the 4th fret gives A♭ minor major 7th.
Which voicing to use
The 3rd-fret voicing puts G in the bass for a clear root position. The F♯ inversion at the 2nd fret places the major 7th in the bass, creating a darker, more unstable sound.
Other G chords
Common questions
How is G minor major 7th written?
G minor major 7th is written Gmmaj7, mmaj7, mM7 or Gminmaj7. It is also called Minor Sharp 7 or Minor ♯7.
What is the difference between G minor major 7th and G minor 7th?
G minor major 7th has a major 7th (F♯), while G minor 7th has a minor 7th (F). The major 7th creates a sharper, more dissonant sound.
Can G minor major 7th be used as a tonic chord?
Yes, in G harmonic minor or G melodic minor, G minor major 7th is the tonic chord. It provides a strong sense of resolution with a distinctive color.