Gmaj7 Chord

This page dives into the Gmaj7 major seventh chord for guitar - voicings, compatible scales and modes, plus where it adds that dreamy, sophisticated shimmer in iconic songs. Gmaj7 (G • B • D • F#) delivers a lush, jazzy brightness with a touch of elegance.

Chord Voicings & Tablature

Common ways to play Gmaj7

Open Position (320002)

e|---2---| B|---0---| G|---0---| D|---0---| A|---2---| E|---3---|

Classic Alternative (3x0402)

e|---2---| B|---0---| G|---4---| D|---0---| A|---x---| E|---3---|

Lame Barre Shape (354433)

e|---3---| B|---3---| G|---4---| D|---4---| A|---5---| E|---3---|

Cool Barre Shape (354433)

e|---x---| B|---3---| G|---4---| D|---4---| A|---x---| E|---3---|

Jazzy High (xx5432)

e|---2---| B|---3---| G|---4---| D|---5---| A|---x---| E|---x---|

Scales & Modes That Fit Perfectly

Gmaj7 has the major seventh (F#) so bright major-family modes with that raised 7th shine. Here are essentials with easy open-position ascending tabs.

Major Family Modes

G Ionian (Major): G A B C D E F# G

e|------------------------3-5-|
B|--------------------3-5-----|
G|----------------2-4---------|
D|-----------2-4-5------------|
A|-----2-3-5------------------|
E|-3-5------------------------|

C Lydian: C D E F# G A B C (extra dreamy with raised 4th)

e|------------------------5-7-8-|
B|-------------------5-7-8------|
G|----------------5-7-----------|
D|-------------7-9--------------|
A|------7-9-10------------------|
E|-8-10-------------------------|

Other Fitting Modes

G Major Pentatonic (safe and sweet): G A B D E

e|-------------------0-3-|
B|---------------0-3-----|
G|-----------0-2---------|
D|-------0-2-------------|
A|---2-5-----------------|
E|-3---------------------|

G Major Bebop (jazz favorite): G A B D E F# G

e|-------------------2-3-5-|
B|---------------0-3-------|
G|-----------0-2-----------|
D|-------0-2---------------|
A|---0-2-------------------|
E|-3-----------------------|

Gmaj7 in Legendary Songs

The sophisticated shimmer of Gmaj7 appears in jazz, bossa nova, folk, and pop:

"The Girl from Ipanema" by João Gilberto – Classic bossa nova filled with maj7 chords including Gmaj7.
"Something" by The Beatles – George Harrison's masterpiece uses Gmaj7 beautifully in the bridge.
"Don't Know Why" by Norah Jones – Jazzy Gmaj7 in the smooth verse progression.
"Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton – Gentle Gmaj7 adds emotional depth.
"Blackbird" by The Beatles – Subtle maj7 flavor in the fingerpicking (related shapes).
"Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac – Stevie Nicks' classic incorporates Gmaj7 for that ethereal feel.