Bm(maj7) Chord on Guitar: How To Play the B Minor Major Seventh chord
Welcome to our tutorial on the B m(maj7) chord. This chord, which belongs to the Minor Chords family, is a beautiful and complex sound that can add depth to your guitar playing. The notes that compose this chord are B, D, F#, and A#, and the intervals that build this chord are 1, b3, 5, and 7.
The complete names of the music intervals that make up this chord are: Root (1), Minor Third (b3), Perfect Fifth (5), and Major Seventh (7). These intervals are essential building blocks in creating the unique sound of the B m(maj7) chord. If you're not familiar with these terms, we recommend checking out our tutorial on building chords by stacking intervals.
Understanding the theory behind these intervals can also be helpful in learning how to denote chords. For a more in-depth look at this, refer to our tutorial on how to denote chords depending on the intervals that compose it.
The B m(maj7) chord is not a beginner's chord, and it will require some practice to master. But don't be discouraged! With patience and practice, you'll be able to incorporate this chord into your playing. If you're looking for more advanced chords to learn, check out our tutorial on intermediate guitar chords.
This tutorial will teach you how to play the B m(maj7) chord with chord diagrams and fretboard patterns showing the tones composing the chord. So grab your guitar, tune up, and let's get started!
B m(maj7) chord Notes:
Formula of the Minor Major Seventh chord:
How To Play The B Minor Major Seventh chord on guitar
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Position 1
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FAQ
What notes are used to build the B m(maj7) chord?
The B m(maj7) chord is composed of four specific notes: B, D, F#, and A#. These notes are derived from the root (B) and the unique interval structure of the chord.
What do the intervals '1, b3, 5, 7' represent in the B m(maj7) chord?
These numbers represent the specific scale degrees relative to the root note (B). '1' is the Root (B), 'b3' is the Minor Third (D), '5' is the Perfect Fifth (F#), and '7' is the Major Seventh (A#). Together, these intervals create the distinct sound of the B m(maj7) chord.
Why is this chord called 'minor-major seventh' (m(maj7))?
The name 'minor-major seventh' comes from its unique combination of intervals. The 'minor' part refers to the Minor Third (b3) interval, which gives the chord its minor quality. The 'major seventh' part refers to the Major Seventh (7) interval, which is the highest tone in the chord, creating a particular tension and color.
How does the B m(maj7) chord differ from a regular B minor 7 chord?
The key difference lies in the seventh interval. A regular B minor 7 chord contains a *minor* seventh (b7). In contrast, the B m(maj7) chord features a *Major* Seventh (7). This single interval change creates a significantly different and more complex harmonic quality, often described as bittersweet or melancholic.
Why is the B m(maj7) chord not considered suitable for beginners?
The B m(maj7) chord is more complex due to its specific interval structure and often requires more intricate fingerings on the guitar. It combines a minor third with a major seventh, which can be challenging to voice correctly and cleanly, demanding greater finger independence and practice compared to more common basic chords.
What specific musical quality does the B m(maj7) chord contribute to guitar playing?
The B m(maj7) chord contributes a 'beautiful and complex' sound. This unique quality comes from the interplay between the minor third and the major seventh. It creates a rich, often melancholic or ethereal atmosphere that can add significant depth and emotional resonance to musical compositions.