Piano Diagram of G# Maj7 in Root Position
G# Maj7 is essentially a major triad based on the key of G#, with an additional major 7th (Fx). G# Maj7 can be found on the first and fourth degrees in major keys, and on the third and sixth in minor keys. Keep reading to get a better grip on the music theory behind this chord.
Structure of G# Maj7
Notes |
---|
G#, B#, D#, Fx |
Intervals |
---|
R, 3, 5, 7 |
Fingers Position
Left Hand |
---|
5, 3, 2, 1 |
Right Hand |
---|
1, 2, 3, 5 |
G# Maj7 Chord Inversions
The G# Maj7 chord has a total of 3 inversions:
Root Position: | G# | B# | D# | Fx |
1st Inversion: | B# | D# | Fx | G# |
2nd Inversion: | D# | Fx | G# | B# |
3rd Inversion: | Fx | G# | B# | D# |
Piano Keyboard Diagrams
Music Theory and Harmony of G# Maj7
What are Major 7th Chords?
A major seventh chord is a type of chord that consists of a major triad with an additional major seventh interval. It can be found as “maj7,” “M7,” or “Δ”. Maj7 chords have a lush and dreamy sound and can be used as substitutes for tonic and subdominant chords in major keys.
Building the G# Maj7 Chord: Different Approaches
Starting from the G# Major Scale:
To build a major 7th chord, you can use the major scale as a reference. You will need to combine a Root, a major 3rd, a 5th interval, and a major 7th.
For instance, to build the G# Maj7 chord, you can start with the G# Major scale, which consists of G#, A#, B#, C#, D#, E#, and Fx.
To form a G# Maj7 chord, use the formula R, 3, 5, 7 as follows:
- Start with the Root note, G#.
- Choose the major 3rd interval, B#.
- Add the 5th interval, which is D#.
- Lastly, include the major 7th interval, Fx (which is equivalent to a natural G but we’ll call it “F-double-sharp” to preserve the basic interval structure of the chord).
By using this straightforward formula, you can produce a major 7th chord from any major scale.
by Combining Intervals:
One method to create a major 7th chord is by combining specific intervals – a major 3rd, a minor 3rd, and again a major 3rd. To illustrate, let’s use the G# Maj7 chord as an example.
3 + m3 + 3 = Major 7th Chords
By examining the intervals between the notes, we can see that G#-B# forms a major 3rd interval, B#-D# creates a minor 3rd interval, and D#-G is also a major 3rd. These three intervals can be stacked together to create the G# Maj7 chord.
How to Use G# Maj7 in a Chord Progression
These tables display the harmonized major and natural minor scales where you can find a G# Maj7 chord.
In the context of major scales, the G# Maj7 chord functions as the tonic chord (I) in the key of G#. Additionally, it can also be used as the subdominant chord in the D# major scale.
In natural minor scales, the G# Maj7 chord assumes different roles. It acts as the mediant chord in the E# natural minor scale and as the submediant chord in the B# natural minor scale.
It’s important to keep in mind that all these keys are considered theoretical and not commonly used in practice. This is mainly due to their complex nature, with a high number of accidentals. It’s more convenient to refer to their enharmonic equivalent keys, as they involve fewer accidentals.
on Major Scales
Major Scales | I | ii | iii | IV | V | vi | vii |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G# = Ab | Ab Maj7 = G# Maj7 | Bb min7 | C min7 | Db Maj7 | Eb7 | F min7 | Gm7b5 |
D# = Eb | Eb Maj7 | F min7 | G min7 | Ab Maj7 = G# Maj7 | Bb7 | C min7 | Dm7b5 |
- Tonic chord in Ab Major as Ab Maj7
- Subdominant chord in Eb Major as Ab Maj7
on Natural minor Scales
Minor Scales | i | ii | III | iv | v | VI | VII |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
E# = F | F min7 | Gm7b5 | Ab Maj7 = G# Maj7 | Bb min7 | C min7 | Db Maj7 | Eb7 |
B# = C | C min7 | Dm7b5 | EbMaj7 | F min7 | G min7 | Ab Maj7 = G# Maj7 | Bb7 |
- Mediant chord in F minor as Ab Maj7
- Submediant chord in C minor as Ab Maj7
G# Maj7 as the Tonic Chord in G# Major
G# Maj7 as Subdominant Chord in D# Major
G# Maj7 as the Mediant Chord in E# Minor
G# Maj7 as the Submediant Chord in B# Minor
Alternative Names for G# Maj7 Chord
- G#j7
- G#∆
- G#Δ7
- G#M7
- Sol#∆
- Sol#7+
- G#Ma7
- G# Maj7
- G# Major 7
- Sol# Magg7