How to play the F#maj7 chord on guitar

The F#maj7 chord, pronounced "F sharp major seventh," is a rich and complex harmony that adds a dreamy, sophisticated feel to any progression. Notable for its use in jazz, neo-soul, and R&B, the F#maj7 can be heard in songs like Moonchild's "The List" and Tom Misch's "Movie." Its unique voicing and extended tonality make it a favorite among guitarists looking to expand their harmonic palette.

The standard way to play the F#maj7 chord on guitar is by barring the 2nd fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a F#maj7 chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 2nd fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.

To strum this chord, start from the 5th (A) string and strum downwards, playing all the strings except the 6th (low E) string.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the F#maj7 chord, try playing an F# major triad on the first three strings. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd (B) string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string, and ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st (high E) string.

The F#maj7 barre chord is a great alternative to the standard open chord version when you want a fuller, richer sound or need to play the chord higher up the neck.

Here's how to play a F#maj7 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 2nd fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
5. Strum from the 6th (low E) string down to the 1st (high E) string.

The F#maj7 chord is often used in progressions that evoke a dreamy, ethereal, or contemplative mood. Here are some common chord progressions featuring F#maj7:

• I - vi - ii - V (F#maj7 - D#m7 - G#m7 - C#7) - Used in "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin
• ii - V - I (G#m7 - C#7 - F#maj7)
• I - iii - vi - IV (F#maj7 - A#m7 - D#m7 - Bmaj7)
• vi - IV - I - V (D#m7 - Bmaj7 - F#maj7 - C#7)
• I - IV - V (F#maj7 - Bmaj7 - C#7)

Mastering the F#maj7 chord on guitar can be achieved through targeted drills. One effective exercise is to play each note of the chord individually, focusing on clean execution and tone. Start with the root note (F#) and gradually add the other notes (A#, C#, and E#) until you can play the full chord seamlessly.

Another helpful drill is to practice transitioning to and from the F#maj7 chord. Choose a simple progression, such as F#maj7 to B, and play it repeatedly, concentrating on smooth changes between the chords. With consistent practice, you'll develop muscle memory and fluidity.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the F#maj7 chord.

1. Prelude in E Major by Frédéric Chopin (E, F#maj7, G#m7, F#maj7, B7, E)
2. This Masquerade by George Benson (Am7, D7, Gmaj7, Em7, F#maj7)
3. Love on Top by Beyoncé (Cm7, F7, Bbmaj7, Gm7, Abmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Ebmaj7)
4. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve by Ella Fitzgerald (Gmaj7, F#maj7, F#m7, B7, Em7, A7, Dmaj7, G7, Cmaj7)
5. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (Am, E, C, D, F#maj7)
6. Never Enough by Rex Orange County (F#maj7, D#m7, C#m7, F#7)
7. Night and Day by Ella Fitzgerald (F#maj7, C#7, F#m7, B7, Emaj7, Bm7, E7, Amaj7, D#m7, G#7)
8. Send My Love (To Your New Lover) by Adele (Dmaj7, F#maj7, Bm7)
9. Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles (F#maj7, F#m7, A7, Dmaj7, G7, Cmaj7)
10. I Wish by Stevie Wonder (Dmaj7, G#m7, Dmaj7, F#maj7, Dmaj7, C#m7, F#7)