Abmaj7 Guitar Chord
Ab Major 7th · also written G#maj7 · Ab–C–Eb–G
Abmaj7 is the Ab major 7th chord: Ab–C–Eb–G. Its sound is smooth and dreamy — the lush, jazzy color heard in ballads, neo-soul, and bossa nova. It's also written as G#maj7 — same notes, same shapes, different spelling.
Abmaj7 takes the plain Ab major triad and adds the major 7th (G), one half-step below the root. That single note transforms it from a campfire chord into the lush sound of jazz standards, neo-soul, and city pop. It works as the I chord in Ab major and the IV chord in Eb major.
The most common way to play Abmaj7 is the emaj7 shape at the 4th fret (4 6 5 5 4 4, low E string to high E string). Below you'll find 9 ways to play it across the neck, from open position to barre and shell voicings, with the theory behind the chord and the progressions it lives in.
How to Play Abmaj7: 9 Voicings
Frets are listed from the low E string to the high E string. x = don't play that string, 0 = open string.
Abmaj7 Chord Theory
| Interval | R | 3 | 5 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | Ab | C | Eb | G |
Abmaj7 is built from the Ab major scale.
Abmaj7 Chord FAQ
What notes are in the Abmaj7 chord?
Abmaj7 contains 4 notes: Ab (R), C (3), Eb (5), G (7). The interval formula for a major 7th chord is R–3–5–7.
What is the easiest way to play Abmaj7 on guitar?
Use the emaj7 shape at the 4th fret: 4 6 5 5 4 4 (frets listed from the low E string to the high E string, x = don't play that string). Abmaj7 has no open-position shape in standard tuning, so this movable form is the standard starting point.
Is Abmaj7 a major or minor chord?
Abmaj7 is built on a major triad (Ab–C–Eb) with the 7 added, so it behaves as a major-family chord.
Is Abmaj7 the same as G#maj7?
Yes. Ab and G# are enharmonic equivalents — the same pitch written two ways. Abmaj7 and G#maj7 use identical shapes and frets; which spelling you see depends on the key of the song.
What keys use the Abmaj7 chord?
Abmaj7 appears diatonically in Ab major (as I), Eb major (as IV), and Db major (as V) — plus F minor, its relative minor key.
Related Chords
Hear yourself play Abmaj7
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