Explore chords · Ukulele
B minor major 7th chord on ukulele (BmMaj7)
Also called or written BmMaj7, Bminmaj7, Bmmaj7, BmM7, B Minor Sharp 7 or B Minor ♯7
B minor major 7th contains B, D, F♯, and A♯. The 4th fret voicing requires a wide stretch across three frets, testing finger independence.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 7
How do you play a B minor major 7th chord on ukulele?
B minor major 7th is played at the 4th fret as 4 6 6 5: index finger on the G string at fret 4, ring finger on the C string at fret 6, pinky finger on the E string at fret 6 and middle finger on the A string at fret 5.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 1 | B (1) |
| 3 (C) | 6 | 3 | F♯ (5) |
| 2 (E) | 6 | 4 | A♯ (7) |
| 1 (A) | 5 | 2 | D (♭3) |
AdvancedThe stretch from the 4th fret on the G string to the 6th fret on the C and E strings demands significant finger span.
Bminmaj7/D inversion
B minor major 7th is played at the 2nd fret as 3 2 2 2: barre your index finger across fret 2 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 3.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3 | 4 | A♯ (7) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 1 (barre) | D (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | 2 | 1 (barre) | F♯ (5) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 1 (barre) | B (1) |
Why it sounds like that
B minor major 7th is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 7. The major 7th interval between B and A♯ gives the chord its distinctive tension. Compare it to B minor, which lacks the A♯ and sounds more consonant.
What goes wrong with B minor major 7th?
- Letting the G string buzz because the index finger is too far from the fret.
- Muting the A string with the middle finger while reaching for the 6th fret.
When to use it
B minor major 7th works in B minor progressions, often as a passing chord between B minor and B minor 7th. It suits gypsy jazz and dramatic ballads. Try it before B minor or B 5th.
Changing to and from B minor major 7th
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 2nd fret gives A minor major 7th.
- From B minor major 7th, lift the pinky and ring finger to move to B minor.
Which voicing to use
The 4th fret voicing keeps B in the bass for a root-position sound. The Bminmaj7/A♯ inversion places A♯ in the bass, creating a leading-tone pull toward B minor.
Other B chords
Common questions
How is B minor major 7th written?
B minor major 7th is written Bmmaj7, Bminmaj7, or BmM7.
What mistake do players make with this shape?
Players often let the pinky collapse and mute the E string. Keep the pinky arched and press with the fingertip.
How does B minor major 7th differ from B minor 7th?
B minor major 7th has a major 7th (A♯), while B minor 7th has a minor 7th (A). The major 7th creates a sharper, more dissonant sound.