Maj 7 Chords Theory
This is one of the most common types of seventh chords in music, the other two being the dominant seventh, and the minor seventh chord. (There are eight different types of seventh chords, although only seven are in common practice).
Sound of the Maj 7th chord
The major seventh chord has a "laid back", dreamy character. It feels quite peaceful and restful.
Major Seventh Chord Notated
Major sevenths are written "Fmaj7" (if it's an F chord). In jazz notation, major sevenths are written with triangle after the letter name.
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F maj7 notated
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Theory - how to go about working out a major seventh chord.
These chords are formed from a major chord, with an added seventh. Here's how to work one out:-
Amaj7 chord
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To begin with, work out the major chord. In this example, we have A major, which is A - C# - E. Next, go down just one semitone from the root note (the root note is the same as the name of the chord). So go down one step from A. This gets you to G#. To finish with, move this G# up one octave. So now you have the notes A - C# - E - G#. This is Amaj7 !
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So in summary, a major seventh chord is a major chord with an extra note, one down from the root.
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TOP TIP:
One of the most famous pieces of music to use the major seventh chord is "Gymnopedie No.1" (by Eric Satie). If you want to re-create the feel of this work, play Gmaj7 (G - B - D - F#), followed by Dmaj7 (D - F# - A - C#). These are the chords that the music follows for the first 12 bars. To create a sound close to the original, play the chords in the left hand, so that you play the root note, followed by the rest of the chord e.g., G, then B - D - F# (played together). Do the same with the Dmaj7. Once you have mastered this, in the right hand play the notes F#, up to A, then going down to G, F#, and C#. These are the first two bars of "Gynmopedie", and are played as the left hand plays the chords. You will need to listen to the track to hear how these notes fall with the chords. Notice that the work begins with a single left hand note (G), and then the melody starts (on F# in the right hand) with the rest of the maj7th chord (played in the left hand). See if you can work out the rest! (Or at least the first section!)
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