How to play the Gmaj7 chord on guitar
Learn to play the dreamy chord from "Wonderwall" and "Blackbird" in just minutes.
The Gmaj7 chord
The Gmaj7 chord, pronounced "G major seventh," is a versatile and frequently used chord in various musical genres. It consists of the notes G, B, D, and F#, adding a distinctive, dreamy quality to progressions. The Gmaj7 is commonly found in jazz, R&B, and soul music, as well as popular songs like "I Won't Last a Day Without You" by The Carpenters.
There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common Gmaj7 chord. We've also included other versions below.
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Finger placement for Gmaj7 chord
The most standard way to play a Gmaj7 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 3rd fret.
Follow these finger positions to play a Gmaj7 chord on your guitar:
- Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 3rd fret.
- Place your middle finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 5th fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 5th fret of the 4th (D) string.
To strum this chord, use a pick or your thumb to strum down across all six strings in one smooth motion.
How to play an easy Gmaj7 chord on guitar
If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Gmaj7 chord, try this:
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 6th (E) string.
- Leave the remaining strings open.
- Strum the bottom four strings.
How to play a Gmaj7 bar chord
While the open position Gmaj7 chord is easier to play, the barre chord version allows you to play the Gmaj7 chord in different positions and adds variety to your playing.
Here's how to play a Gmaj7 bar chord:
- Place your index finger across all six strings at the 3rd fret, creating a barre.
- Place your middle finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 5th fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 5th fret of the 4th (D) string.
- Strum all six strings from the low E string to the high E string.
Common Gmaj7 chord progressions
The Gmaj7 chord is often used in chord progressions to create a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere. It can evoke feelings of wonder, nostalgia, and emotional depth. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the Gmaj7 chord:
- I - IVmaj7 - I - IVmaj7 (G - Cmaj7 - G - Cmaj7) Used in "Wonderwall" by Oasis
- Imaj7 - IIm7 - IIIm7 - IVmaj7 (Gmaj7 - Am7 - Bm7 - Cmaj7)
- IVmaj7 - V7 - Imaj7 (Cmaj7 - D7 - Gmaj7) Used in "Girl from Ipanema" by Antonio Carlos Jobim
- IIm7 - V7 - Imaj7 - IVmaj7 (Am7 - D7 - Gmaj7 - Cmaj7)
- Imaj7 - VIm7 - IIm7 - V7 (Gmaj7 - Em7 - Am7 - D7)
Drills to master the Gmaj7 chord
To master the Gmaj7 chord, try playing the notes G, B, D, and F# in sequence, focusing on each note's clarity. Practice transitioning between Gmaj7 and other chords you know, striving for smooth, fluid changes.
Another helpful drill is to create simple progressions using Gmaj7, such as Gmaj7 - Em7 - Am7 - Dmaj7. Play these progressions in various rhythmic patterns and tempos to develop your muscle memory and dexterity. With consistent practice, you'll find your Gmaj7 chord sounding cleaner and more precise in no time!
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Songs that feature the Gmaj7 chord
Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Gmaj7 chord.
- Wonderwall by Oasis (Chords: Em7, G, Dmaj7, Amaj7)
- Free Fallin' by Tom Petty (Chords: F, Gmaj7, C, Am)
- Drops of Jupiter by Train (Chords: C, G, F, Gmaj7)
- Hey There Delilah by Plain White T's (Chords: D, F#m, Gmaj7, Bm, A, Asus4)
- Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day (Chords: G, Cadd9, Dmaj7, Gmaj7)
- Bubbly by Colbie Caillat (Chords: G, Gmaj7, Em7, Cmaj7)
- I'm Yours by Jason Mraz (Chords: G, D, Em, C, Cmaj7, Gmaj7)
- Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson (Chords: G, D7, Gmaj7, Em7, A7)
- The Boxer by Simon & Garfunkel (Chords: C, Am, G, Gmaj7, F)
- 100 Years by Five for Fighting (Chords: G, Gmaj7, C, Cmaj7, D)
How a guitar teacher can help
If you feel stuck in your playing, it might help to take personalized guitar lessons with an expert guitarist. Taking lessons with a pro gives you access to the skills, feedback, and motivation to reach your goals.
You can find expert guitar teachers to support you in the journey. Thousands of people have turned to online guitar lessons on Til, instead of traditional in-person lessons, because Til gives you access to the best teachers in the world from the comfort of home. And with flexible scheduling, secure payments, lesson recordings, and a private chat with your teacher–there’s never been a better way to learn guitar.