How To Play A Major 7th Chord on Piano

Starting your piano journey with a rich and beautiful chord can be an exciting experience. Today, we're going to delve into the world of chords and learn how to play an AMaj7 chord on the piano. Known for its jazzy, soulful sound, the AMaj7 chord is a major seventh chord that's often used in various genres of music, from jazz to pop.

The AMaj7 chord consists of four notes: A, C#, E, and G#. These notes create a distinctive, full sound that is characteristic of major seventh chords. We will break down how to play these notes with your right hand and your left hand so you get a comprehensive understanding of this chord.

Keep in mind that learning to play a new chord takes practice and patience. We'll provide some helpful tips to make the learning process smoother, so stay tuned for some practical exercises and techniques to master the AMaj7 chord.

How To Familiarize Yourself With the Keyboard

Don't worry if you're struggling to find the Middle C --- it's a common challenge for beginners.

Middle C is located in the center of the keyboard, where the bass clef meets the treble clef.

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Once you've located it, use it as your starting point to familiarize yourself with the other piano notes. The white keys to the right of Middle C are D, E, F, G, A, B, and then the sequence starts again with C. This pattern continues up and down the entire keyboard. The black keys, arranged in groups of two and three, represent the sharps and flats.

What Are the Notes of the AMaj7 Chord?

After familiarizing yourself with the keyboard, it's time to delve into the specifics of the AMaj7 chord.

The AMaj7, or A Major 7th chord, is comprised of four distinct musical notes: A, C#, E, and G#. These notes, when played together, form the beautiful AMaj7 chord that is often used in various music genres. It's important to note that the AMaj7 does include two sharp (#) notes --- in this case, C# and G#. This means you'll not only be pressing on the white keys, but also on black keys on your piano.

Don't let the presence of these sharps intimidate you --- they simply add depth and richness to the chord, making it a joy to play and hear.

How To Play AMaj7 With Your Right Hand

Having familiarized yourself with the keyboard and the notes that make up the AMaj7 chord, it's now time to get your fingers moving with the melody. In this section, we'll focus on how to play AMaj7 with your right hand.

Firstly, position your thumb, also known as the 1st finger, on the A note. Ensure that your fingers are naturally curved and aligned with the subsequent keys. Your fingers should be positioned as follows:

1. Your thumb (1st finger) should sit on the A note.

2. Your index finger or the 2nd finger will play the C# note.

3. The E note will be played by your middle finger (3rd finger).

4. Finally, your ring finger or 4th finger will play the G# note.

With your right hand, you're playing these notes in the same order. Take your time to play each note separately, ensuring you're pressing the correct keys.

As you get comfortable with the keys, try playing the AMaj7 chord in one smooth motion.

How To Play AMaj7 With Your Left Hand

Transitioning from playing the AMaj7 chord with your right hand, let's now dive into how to play the AMaj7 chord using your left hand. This might feel a little more challenging, especially if you're right-hand dominant, but don't worry, with consistent practice, you'll get the hang of it.

First, position your left hand on the piano keyboard with your pinky (5th finger) resting on the A note that's an octave below Middle A. Your other fingers should fall naturally across the keys, with your thumb (1st finger) hovering over the G# key.

The notes for the AMaj7 chord with your left hand are as follows:

5. Pinky (5th finger) on A

6. Ring finger (4th finger) on C#

7. Middle finger (3rd finger) on E

8. Thumb (1st finger) on G#

Navigating the Keyboard With Your Left Hand

Playing the AMaj7 chord with your left hand may initially feel less natural than using your right. This is normal, particularly if you are right-handed.

Combining Both Hands

Having mastered the AMaj7 chord with each hand separately, the next step is to combine both hands. Don't rush this process, it's essential to move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Start by playing the A note with both hands simultaneously, then gradually add C#s, Es, then G#s until you can play them comfortably one after another.

The aim here isn't speed, but accuracy and synchronization. The more you practice playing the AMaj7 chord with both hands, the more it will become second nature, ingrained in your muscle memory.

What Are Some Practice Tips for Learning the AMaj7 Chord?

Having explored the AMaj7 chord with both the right and left hands, let's talk about some practical tips to aid your mastery of this Major 7th chord:

• Commit to Daily Practice: Whether it's 10 minutes or an hour, daily practice is vital. Regular interaction with the piano will strengthen your understanding of the AMaj7 chord and develop your muscle memory.

• Utilize a Metronome: A metronome is a musician's best friend. It helps you maintain a steady rhythm. Start at a slow pace while getting to grips with the AMaj7 chord, and gradually increase the tempo as your confidence grows.

• Break Down the Chord: If you're finding the AMaj7 chord challenging, don't be afraid to break it down. Concentrate on playing each note individually from A to G#, and practice each hand separately before combining them.

• Maintain Relaxation: Keeping your hands and body relaxed while playing is essential. Tension can restrict movement and cause muscle strain. Be sure to watch the Posture and Technique lesson video in Rocksmith+ for a deeper understanding of maintaining relaxation while playing.

• Set Achievable Goals: Rather than trying to master the AMaj7 chord in one sitting, set small, achievable goals for each practice session. Start with the basic chord structure, then build up to more complex configurations.

Mastering the AMaj7 chord, like any other piano skill, is a marathon and not a sprint. The goal is not just to reach the finish line but to enjoy the beautiful music you create along the journey.

The Bottom Line

After mastering the AMaj7 chord on the piano, you're ready to take on the next stage of your piano journey. This learning experience is not just about the AMaj7, but also your overall understanding of music, chords, and piano playing. The world of piano music is vast, and there is always something new to discover, whether it's a different chord or a song to learn.

The beauty of learning piano is that every step you take builds upon the last. The AMaj7 chord you've just learned will be a stepping stone to more complex chords and compositions --- and with Rocksmith+, you can enjoy video tutorials, interactive lessons, and a song library with over 400 songs. Keep practicing, stay curious, and let your love for music guide you on this incredible journey. With the AMaj7 chord under your belt, you are well on your way. Happy playing!

Sources:

Seventh Chords | Music Theory

Middle C | Music Theory Academy

What is the difference between a sharp and a flat note? | Classical Music