A♭ minor major 7th chord on ukulele (A♭mMaj7)

Why it sounds like that

A♭ minor major 7th is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 7. The major 7th interval between A♭ and G gives the chord its tense, unresolved color. Compare it to A♭ minor, which stops at the perfect 5th and sounds settled.

What goes wrong with A♭ minor major 7th?

• Letting the G string buzz because the index finger is not close enough to the fret.
• Muting the A string with the palm while reaching for the 3rd fret.

When to use it

A♭ minor major 7th works as a passing chord in A♭ minor progressions, such as A♭ minor–A♭ minor major 7th–A♭ minor 7th. It suits jazz ballads and film noir textures where the raised 7th adds tension. Try it before A♭ minor or A♭ 5th.

Changing to and from A♭ minor major 7th

• Sliding the shape up one fret to the 2nd fret gives A minor major 7th.
• From A♭ minor major 7th, lift the pinky and ring finger to move to A♭ minor.

Which voicing to use

The 1st fret voicing keeps A♭ in the bass for a root-position sound. The A♭minmaj7/G inversion places G in the bass, creating a darker, leading-tone pull toward A♭ minor.