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G major 7th chord on ukulele (Gmaj7)
Also called or written Gmaj7 or GM7
G major 7th is built from G, B, D, and F♯. This open position uses a barre at the 2nd fret, making it one of the more accessible major 7th grips.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, 5, 7
- Root positionG–B–D–F♯Gmaj77-7-7-9
- First inversionB–D–F♯–GGmaj7/B11-11-10-10
- Second inversionD–F♯–G–BGmaj7/D0-2-2-2
- Third inversionF♯–G–B–DGmaj7/F♯11-11-10-10
How do you play a G major 7th chord on ukulele?
G major 7th is played in open position as 0 2 2 2: barre your index finger across fret 2. The G string rings open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (1) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 1 (barre) | D (5) |
| 2 (E) | 2 | 1 (barre) | F♯ (7) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 1 (barre) | B (3) |
AdvancedThe index finger must barre three strings at fret 2 while leaving the open G string to ring, requiring even pressure across the fretboard.
7th fret
G major 7th is played at the 7th fret as 7 7 7 9: barre your index finger across fret 7 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 9.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7 | 1 (barre) | D (5) |
| 3 (C) | 7 | 1 (barre) | G (1) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 1 (barre) | B (3) |
| 1 (A) | 9 | 4 | F♯ (7) |
Gmaj7/B inversion
G major 7th is played at the 10th fret as 11 11 10 10: ring finger on the G string at fret 11, pinky finger on the C string at fret 11, index finger on the E string at fret 10 and middle finger on the A string at fret 10.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 11 | 3 | F♯ (7) |
| 3 (C) | 11 | 4 | B (3) |
| 2 (E) | 10 | 1 | D (5) |
| 1 (A) | 10 | 2 | G (1) |
Why it sounds like that
G major 7th stacks a major 3rd, perfect 5th, and major 7th above G. The major 7th interval is what separates it from G major, which stops at the perfect 5th.
What goes wrong with G major 7th?
- The barre finger lifts off the A string, muting it.
- The index finger touches the open G string, deadening its note.
- The barre presses too hard, causing the strings to buzz.
When to use it
G major 7th works as the I chord in G major, such as G–C–D–G (I–IV–V–I). It also fits the I–V–vi–IV progression G–D–E minor–C. Use it for folk, pop, or jazz tunes that need a bright, ringing major color.
Changing to and from G major 7th
- From G major, add the barre at fret 2 for G major 7th.
- Sliding the Gmaj7/D inversion down two frets gives F major 7th.
Which voicing to use
The open position puts G in the bass for a root-position sound. The Gmaj7/D inversion at frets 7-7-7-9 places the 5th in the bass, giving a lighter, more open feel.
Other G chords
Common questions
Why does my G major 7th sound muted?
The barre finger may not be pressing all three strings evenly. Adjust the finger so it lies flat across the fret, and check that it is not touching the open G string.
Is the Gmaj7/D inversion easier to play?
Yes, it uses a barre at fret 7 and one fretted note on the A string at fret 9. However, it has D in the bass, so it sounds less grounded than the open position.
Can I use G major 7th in place of G major?
Yes, but the added major 7th (F♯) creates a more complex, jazzy color. Use it when you want a softer, more reflective sound than the plain major triad.