Major Seventh Chord
As discussed in the previous lesson all chords are based upon or derived from the four basic chord types. A chord commonly used by Jazz guitarists in place of the major chord is the major seventh chord (maj7). The major seventh chord is created by adding the seventh note of the major scale to the major chord.
i.e., Major chord formula: 1 3 5
Major seventh chord formula: 1 3 5 7
e.g., The Fmaj7 chord is based upon the notes of the F major scale.
F Major Scale
When working out the notes of a chord it is important to take into account the sharps or flats involved in the corresponding major scale. So become familiar with the major scale in all keys. (A summary of these scales can be found in Appendix Two ).
Here is a common movable Jazz shape for maj7 chords shown here in first position i.e., Fmaj7. As with the major shape introduced last lesson it is a root 6 shape (i.e., the root note is on the 6th string).
Fmaj7 (Root 6)
Once again deaden the fifth and first string by curving the first finger (see photo).
If this shape is played on the 3rd fret it becomes a Gmaj7 chord. If played on the 8th fret it becomes Cmaj7 etc.
Play the following progression using four to the bar playing.
The following progression combines the major and maj7 root 6 chord shapes.
The change between the major shape and the maj7 shape will be made easier by the use of pivot fingers i.e., fingers that are common to each shape that do not have to be moved (in this case the first and second fingers).
