Explore chords · Ukulele
A minor major 7th chord on ukulele (AmMaj7)
Also called or written AmMaj7, Aminmaj7, Ammaj7, AmM7, A Minor Sharp 7 or A Minor ♯7
A minor major 7th contains A, C, E, and G♯. The 2nd fret voicing stretches the fretting hand across three frets, making it a demanding first grip.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 7
How do you play an A minor major 7th chord on ukulele?
A minor major 7th is played at the 2nd fret as 2 4 4 3: index finger on the G string at fret 2, ring finger on the C string at fret 4, pinky finger on the E string at fret 4 and middle finger on the A string at fret 3.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (1) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 3 | E (5) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 4 | G♯ (7) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 2 | C (♭3) |
AdvancedThe stretch from the 2nd fret on the G string to the 4th fret on the C and E strings challenges smaller hands.
Aminmaj7/C inversion
A minor major 7th is played in open position as 1 0 0 0: index finger on the G string at fret 1. The C, E and A strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (7) |
| 3 (C) | open | — | C (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (5) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | A (1) |
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 4th 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 down one fret to the 1st 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 2nd fret voicing keeps A in the bass for a root-position sound. The Aminmaj7/G♯ inversion places G♯ in the bass, creating a darker, leading-tone pull toward A minor.
Other A chords
Common questions
How is A minor major 7th written?
A minor major 7th is written Ammaj7, Aminmaj7, or AmM7.
What mistake do players make with this shape?
Players often flatten the pinky and mute the E string. Keep the pinky arched and press with the fingertip.
How does A minor major 7th differ from A minor 7th?
A minor major 7th has a major 7th (G♯), while A minor 7th has a minor 7th (G). The major 7th creates a sharper, more dissonant sound.