Piano chords · Major 7th chord
Fmaj7 piano chord (F major seventh)
Fmaj7 is a major seventh chord with 4 notes. It sounds soft, dreamy and a little jazzy. Here's how to find it, play it and hear it.
F – A – C – E · tap any key to hear it
The notes of Fmaj7
Fmaj7 is built from 4 notes (1 – 3 – 5 – 7):
- F, the root
- A, the major third
- C, the fifth
- E, the major seventh
Every note is a white key, which makes Fmaj7 an easy chord to find and play.
Fingering
- Right hand: 1 on F, 2 on A, 3 on C, 5 on E.
- Left hand: 5 on F, 3 on A, 2 on C, 1 on E.
Press every key at exactly the same moment, with the same weight. If one note sounds louder or a fraction late, the chord sounds uneven: play it slowly and listen for one sound.
Inversions
An inversion is the same notes in a different order, with a different note at the bottom. Inversions let you move between chords without jumping around the keyboard.
| Position | Notes, bottom to top |
|---|---|
| Root position | F – A – C – E |
| 1st inversion | A – C – E – F |
| 2nd inversion | C – E – F – A |
| 3rd inversion | E – F – A – C |
Where Fmaj7 belongs
Fmaj7 is the Imaj7 chord in F major and the IVmaj7 chord in C major. It's everywhere in jazz, soul, bossa nova and gentle pop.
Fmaj7 is F with a major seventh, E, added: just a half step below the root, which gives it its dreamy rub. F7 has a minor seventh (E♭) instead, and sounds bluesier.
Hear it in a progression
Fmaj7 – Dm7 – Gm7 – C7: Imaj7 – vi7 – ii7 – V7, a smooth jazz and soul turnaround.
Playing it, but it doesn't sound right? Ivory listens to you play and tells you what's off: a note that's missing, a hand that lands late, a chord that's uneven. Then it shows you how it should go.
Questions people ask
What notes are in the Fmaj7 chord?
Fmaj7 (F major seventh) is made of F, A, C and E: the root, major third, fifth and major seventh.
How do you play Fmaj7 on piano?
With your right hand, use fingers 1 on F, 2 on A, 3 on C, 5 on E, and press them together. With your left hand: 5 on F, 3 on A, 2 on C, 1 on E.
How is Fmaj7 different from the plain chord?
Fmaj7 is F with a major seventh, E, added: just a half step below the root, which gives it its dreamy rub. F7 has a minor seventh (E♭) instead, and sounds bluesier.