Guitar arpeggio
Ab Major 7 Guitar Arpeggio
Ab Major 7 is a four-note seventh-chord arpeggio built from Ab, C, Eb, and G. It is also commonly called Ab Major Seventh and AbMaj7. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- Ab, C, Eb, G
- Formula
- 1 3 5 7
- Semitones
- 0 4 7 11
- Chord symbols
- Abmaj7, AbM7
- Also called
- Ab Major SeventhAbMaj7
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent Ab root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the Ab root notes and connect the remaining major 7 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called Ab Major Seventh or AbMaj7.
Chord construction and defining tones
Ab major 7 is defined most clearly by 3 (C) and 7 (G). The major third sets the chord quality, while the major seventh adds its close, unresolved pull toward the root.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over Abmaj7 and major-key tonic or major-seventh chords where the natural seventh is present.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the Ab Major 7 arpeggio from one Ab root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Connect 3 (C) and 7 (G) through multiple positions, resolving the major seventh upward to the nearest root.
- Improvise over Abmaj7 and place the major seventh on a weak beat before resolving it to the root.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with Ab Major 7 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard