The Fmaj7 chord, often seen as F major 7, brings a unique flavor to guitar music. It’s a chord that balances a sense of yearning with a smooth, jazzy calmness, setting it apart from the standard F major. If you’re familiar with the C chord shape, you’re already halfway to understanding Fmaj7. This chord is a favorite in songwriting, appearing alongside chords like C to create rich progressions. Let’s dive into how to play the Fmaj7 guitar chord and explore its musical personality.
Getting Your Fingers on the Fmaj7 Guitar Chord
The most common Fmaj7 chord shape is beginner-friendly and incredibly useful. It’s a fundamental chord to add to your repertoire, opening up a world of songs.
Sonically, the Fmaj7 chord offers a fascinating blend. Imagine calmness layered over a subtle tension, a feeling of composure that hints at underlying emotion. It delicately balances serenity and a touch of melancholy, creating a sound that’s both sophisticated and accessible.
To form the Fmaj7, begin by placing your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string (2nd string). Next, position your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (3rd string). Finally, place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the D string (4th string).
When strumming the Fmaj7, ensure you only strum from the D string downwards, leaving the low E and A strings unplayed and the high E string open. Try it out and listen to the distinctive sound of the Fmaj7!
Fmaj7 Chord Position (1st Position)
- Index finger: 1st fret, B string (2nd)
- Middle finger: 2nd fret, G string (3rd)
- Ring finger: 3rd fret, D string (4th)
This image shows a guitar chord diagram for Fmaj7, illustrating the finger positions on the fretboard to play the chord.
Strum downwards across the top four strings, starting from the D string to clearly voice the Fmaj7 chord.
Unpacking the Notes Within the Fmaj7 Chord
The Fmaj7 chord’s unique character comes from its specific construction. It’s built using four notes: the root, a major third, a perfect fifth, and a major seventh. For the Fmaj7 chord, these notes are:
F, A, C, and E
These notes combine to create the Fmaj7’s signature sound – a blend of resolution and a gentle, lingering tension. It’s this combination that gives the chord its evocative and slightly complex emotional quality.
Songs That Beautifully Utilize the Fmaj7 Chord
The Fmaj7 chord is a versatile tool for songwriters across various genres, adding depth and emotion. From pop melodies to rock anthems and folk tunes, the Fmaj7 creates subtle tension and release. Here are some songs where you can hear and practice the Fmaj7 chord:
Pop Songs
Listen to “Cherish” by The Association to hear the Fmaj7 contribute to its warm, nostalgic melody and gently rising progression. The chord enhances the song’s tender and heartfelt feel, also famously covered by David Cassidy and Nina Simone.
For a more energetic example, check out “Tongue Tied” by Grouplove. The Fmaj7 in this track adds to the song’s infectious energy, creating a sense of anticipation and release within its upbeat tempo.
Rock Songs
Coldplay’s “Clocks” beautifully showcases the Fmaj7 chord from its opening piano chords. The song masterfully uses the chord’s balance, moving between calm verses and a building, emotional chorus, demonstrating the Fmaj7’s dynamic range.
Rush’s “Closer to the Heart” uses the Fmaj7 to create a rich soundscape, starting with soft acoustic textures and building to powerful rock riffs. The Fmaj7 here provides a harmonic foundation that supports the song’s emotional journey.
“Easy” by the Commodores, a classic ballad, highlights the softer side of the Fmaj7. The chord contributes to the song’s smooth, soulful feel, making it a perfect example of the Fmaj7 in a mellow context. Faith No More’s electric guitar cover brings a different intensity while retaining the chord’s essence.
Oasis’s “Live Forever” contrasts Liam Gallagher’s raw vocals with the composed instrumentation, where the Fmaj7 plays a key role. It adds a layer of sophistication and emotional depth beneath the song’s anthemic rock energy.
U2’s “One” is a masterclass in Fmaj7 usage. From the lyrics to the guitar work, the song builds and resolves tension using the Fmaj7, making it a definitive example of the chord’s expressive power in rock music.
Folk Songs
The Lumineers’ “Ho Hey” effectively uses the Fmaj7 in its progression, starting with a gentle acoustic guitar and gradually adding layers to create a full, emotive folk sound. The Fmaj7 helps establish the song’s heartfelt and anthemic quality.
Practice the Fmaj7 chord and experiment with different chord pairings to discover its full potential. It’s a chord that adds both simplicity and depth to your guitar playing.
To expand your chord vocabulary, explore Fender Play’s chord library for more chords and lessons. If you’re new to Fender Play, you can start a free trial to unlock a wealth of guitar learning resources.
