G# major 7th · Piano
G#maj7 Chord on Piano
The G#maj7 chord (G# major 7th) is built from the notes G#, C, D# and G. The keyboard diagram below shows exactly which keys to press. The same chord is also written Abmaj7; both spellings sound identical.
Chord diagrams
Notes in this chord
- G♯
- C
- D♯
- G
Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5 – 7
Also written: Abmaj7
How to play
To play G#maj7 on piano, press G#, C, D# and G together. In root position the lowest note is G#, and the finger numbers follow the keys left to right in the diagram.
Theory behind the chord
Major seventh chords keep the bright major triad but add the leading tone a semitone below the root. The result is the soft, floating sound heard throughout bossa nova, soul and neo-soul. On G#maj7 this structure sits on the root G#, so the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – 7 map onto G#, C, D# and G.
Frequently asked questions
- Which notes are in the G#maj7 chord?
- G#maj7 contains the notes G#, C, D# and G. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – 7.
- Are G#maj7 and Abmaj7 the same chord?
- Yes. G#maj7 and Abmaj7 are enharmonically identical — the spelling differs but the frets and keys are the same. Which name is used depends on the key of the piece.
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