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Major Seventh Chords (M7)

Major seventh chords create a sophisticated, jazzy, and dreamy sound. They add color and richness to major chords while maintaining their bright character.

Structure​

A major seventh chord consists of:

  • Root - The fundamental note that gives the chord its name
  • Major Third - 4 semitones above the root
  • Perfect Fifth - 7 semitones above the root
  • Major Seventh - 11 semitones above the root
tip

The major seventh is 1 semitone below the root note.

Examples:​

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  • CM7: C - E - G - B
  • DM7: D - F# - A - C#
  • EM7: E - G# - B - D#
  • FM7: F - A - C - E

The C major seventh chord contains the notes C - E - G - B:

  • C (Root)
  • E (Major Third - 4 semitones from C)
  • G (Perfect Fifth - 7 semitones from C)
  • B (Major Seventh - 11 semitones from C)

See that the first 3 notes make a C major chord, but the top 3 notes make an E minor chord. That's what gives complexity to this chord, having both major and minor parts.

Sound Characteristics​

  • Mood: Sophisticated, dreamy, jazzy
  • Symbol: Cmaj7, CM7, CΔ7

Major seventh chords are widely used in jazz and contemporary music to create lush, sophisticated harmonies. They provide resolution while adding color that makes progressions more interesting than simple triads.