G minor major 7th chord on ukulele (GmMaj7)

Why it sounds like that

G minor major 7th stacks a minor 3rd, perfect 5th, and major 7th over G. The major 7th F♯ is a leading tone that gives the chord its tense, unresolved quality. Compare it to G minor, which omits the F♯ and sounds more settled.

What goes wrong with G minor major 7th?

• The ring finger touches the C string, muting the note.
• The middle finger slides off the C string, causing a buzz.
• The index finger flattens onto the E string, deadening the note.

When to use it

G minor major 7th works as a dramatic substitution in G minor progressions, often resolving to G minor or G 5th. Its dark, tense sound suits jazz ballads and film-score passages. Try it before G minor for a brief harmonic lift.

Changing to and from G minor major 7th

• Sliding the shape up one fret to the 3rd fret gives A♭ minor major 7th, keeping the same finger pattern.
• Move to G minor by lifting the ring finger and leaving the E string open.

Which voicing to use

The default Gminmaj7/D inversion puts D in the bass for a solid, grounded sound. The Gminmaj7/F♯ inversion at the 3rd fret has F♯ in the bass for a darker, leading-tone pull. Choose the open shape for easier fingering and a brighter attack.