Guitar arpeggio
A Major 7 Guitar Arpeggio
A Major 7 is a four-note seventh-chord arpeggio built from A, C#, E, and G#. It is also commonly called A Major Seventh and AMaj7. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- A, C#, E, G#
- Formula
- 1 3 5 7
- Semitones
- 0 4 7 11
- Chord symbols
- Amaj7, AM7
- Also called
- A Major SeventhAMaj7
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent A root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the A root notes and connect the remaining major 7 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called A Major Seventh or AMaj7.
Chord construction and defining tones
A 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 Amaj7 and major-key tonic or major-seventh chords where the natural seventh is present.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the A Major 7 arpeggio from one A 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 Amaj7 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 A Major 7 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard