How to Play a Major 7th Chord for Guitar

The major 7th chord consists of the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th degrees of the major scale. There are many ways to play a major 7th chord on the guitar. This article will show you how to play a C-major 7th chord at the third fret of the guitar. This type of chord is what guitarists call a "barre chord."

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. 

   Place your first (index) finger across strings one through five to form what is called a "barre."

2. 

   Place your fourth (pinkie) finger behind the fifth fret on the second string.

3. 

   Place your second (middle) finger behind the fourth fret on the third string.

4. 

   Place your third (ring) finger behind the fifth fret on the fourth string.

5. Strum from the fifth string down to the first string, making sure that all notes sound clear and defined. Adjust your fingers as necessary to get each note to sound clearly.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice playing all of the strings that you are "barring" with the goal of getting each string to sound clearly. This will strengthen your index (first) finger making your barre chord playing more efficient. Play each string individually, making adjustments as needed, before strumming the entire chord.

Resources

• Guitar Alliance
• Guitar Jamorama
• Rock and Heavy Metal Guitar Lessons
• Free Blues Video Lessons