F# major 7th · Ukulele
F#maj7 Chord on Ukulele
The F#maj7 chord (F# major 7th) is built from the notes F#, A#, C# and F. The ukulele fingering for it is shown below. The same chord is also written Gbmaj7; both spellings sound identical.
Chord diagrams
Fingering
- string 4 (G): played open
- string 3 (C): fret 1 — index finger
- string 2 (E): fret 1 — index finger
- string 1 (A): fret 1 — index finger
Notes in this chord
- F♯
- A♯
- C♯
- F
Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5 – 7
Also written: Gbmaj7
How to play
Every ukulele shape for F#maj7 needs a barre, and the lowest one starts at fret 1. Keep the index finger straight and as close to the fret wire as possible, and let the wrist rather than the thumb supply the pressure.
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 F#maj7 this structure sits on the root F#, so the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – 7 map onto F#, A#, C# and F.
Frequently asked questions
- Which notes are in the F#maj7 chord?
- F#maj7 contains the notes F#, A#, C# and F. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – 7.
- How many ways can you play F#maj7?
- Minory lists a single ukulele fingering for F#maj7, and it is a barre shape.
- Is the F#maj7 chord hard to play?
- F#maj7 requires a barre, so it can feel demanding at first. Keeping the index finger straight and pressing from the wrist rather than the thumb makes it noticeably easier.
- Are F#maj7 and Gbmaj7 the same chord?
- Yes. F#maj7 and Gbmaj7 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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