Guitar arpeggio

G Major 7 Guitar Arpeggio

G Major 7 is a four-note seventh-chord arpeggio built from G, B, D, and F#. It is also commonly called G Major Seventh and GMaj7. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.

Chord tones
G, B, D, F#
Formula
1 3 5 7
Semitones
0 4 7 11
Chord symbols
Gmaj7, GM7
Also called
G Major SeventhGMaj7

How to read this arpeggio

The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent G root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.

Use the interactive fretboard to locate the G root notes and connect the remaining major 7 chord tones across standard tuning.

This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called G Major Seventh or GMaj7.

Chord construction and defining tones

3B
7F#

G major 7 is defined most clearly by 3 (B) and 7 (F#). 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 Gmaj7 and major-key tonic or major-seventh chords where the natural seventh is present.

Practice this arpeggio on guitar

  1. Play the G Major 7 arpeggio from one G root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
  2. Connect 3 (B) and 7 (F#) through multiple positions, resolving the major seventh upward to the nearest root.
  3. Improvise over Gmaj7 and place the major seventh on a weak beat before resolving it to the root.

Fretboard diagram

G Major 7 Guitar Arpeggio fretboard diagram in standard tuning
G Major 7 Guitar Arpeggio fretboard diagram in standard tuning.

Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool

Start with G Major 7 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Arpeggio diagrams by tuning