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Major 7th Chords on Piano

The major 7th chord is a lush, dreamy, and sophisticated extension of the major triad — adding the major seventh creates a warm, floating sound that defines jazz ballads, bossa nova, and neo-soul.

Formula: Root – Major 3rd – Perfect 5th – Major 7th
Intervals: 4 + 3 + 4 semitones (from root)
Scale degrees: 1–3–5–7
Sound: Dreamy, warm, sophisticated, floating
Symbol: maj7, M7, or Δ after the letter (Cmaj7, DM7 etc.)

Major 7th vs Dominant 7th: Cmaj7 has B natural (major seventh) — dreamy and resolved. C7 has B♭ (minor seventh) — tense and driving. One semitone completely changes the character. Major 7ths are resting chords; dominant 7ths want to move.

Major 7th Chord in All 18 Keys

Select any key to see notes, inversions, fingering, and practice tips.