A Major 7th

Fretboard

About

The A major 7th (A–C♯–E–G♯) adds a major seventh to the major triad. Unlike the dominant 7 there is no tritone — the G♯ sits a half step below the root, creating a gentle, unresolved shimmer rather than a strong directional pull. This makes maj7 a tonic or subdominant color, used to add sophistication without urgency. The major 7th interval itself is the defining tone; the fifth can be omitted. On guitar, shell voicings (1–3–7) are efficient and common in jazz. The half step between G♯ and the root is part of the appeal — a tension that does not demand resolution. Compared to A7, maj7 is relaxed and expansive; compared to A, more harmonically lit-from-within.

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