Fmaj7

Q: What notes are in the Fmaj7 chord?

The Fmaj7 chord (F Major 7) contains: F, A, C, E. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Fmaj7 on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is Fmaj7 found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for Fmaj7?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

F Major 7

Octaves

Musical context

ChordF majorTriad

ChordFmaj7F Major 7

ArpeggioF majorBroken triad

ScaleF major7 notes

KeyF majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: F Major 7
Symbol: Fmaj7
Root: F
Quality: Major 7

Chord notes

1Froot

3Amajor 3rd

5Cperfect 5th

7Emajor 7th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: IVSubdominant (IV)C major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: BbBb Major CC Major DmD Minor
Unstable degrees: 7E
1F
resolves up to the root
Main resolution: Fmaj7source
CC Major
Major chord F is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions: Fmaj7source
Deceptive resolution
DmD Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Fmaj7source
Modal resolution
EbEb Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Fmaj7source
Jazz reharmonization
Fmaj7F Major 7
In jazz, a major chord is enriched to maj7, 6/9, or add9 and can smoothly transition into a ii-V of another key (modulation).
Fmaj7source
Functional resolution
CC Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Substitutions

Parallel: Fm7F Minor 7
Relative: Dm7D Minor 7

Features

Character: Major, with major-7th tension
Characteristic interval: Major 7th (M7)
Description: The major 7th lies a semitone below the octave and creates dissonance without forming a dominant tritone.
Application: I and IV in jazz/pop
Neo-soul, romantic ballads
Light pop