B Major Seventh Chord
Chord Tones: B Major Seventh Chord
Symbol: maj7, M7, △7 — Formula: 1-3-5-7
| Degree | Note | Frequency (A=440, Equal) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | 493.883 Hz |
| 3 | D# | 311.127 Hz |
| 5 | F# | 369.994 Hz |
| 7 | A# | 466.164 Hz |
Chord Notation
| Notation Type | Symbol / Value |
|---|---|
| Lead Sheet Symbol | Bmaj7 |
| All Common Symbols | maj7, M7, △7 |
| Interval Formula | 1-3-5-7 |
| Harmonic Category | mildly dissonant |
Roman numeral (e.g. I, IV, V) and Nashville Number notation are key-dependent. See Keys pages for chord function within specific keys.
Inversions
| Inversion | Notes (low to high) | Bass Note | Slash Notation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root Position | B – D# – F# – A# | B | B Major Seventh Chord |
| First Inversion | D# – F# – A# – B | D# | B Major Seventh Chord/D# |
| Second Inversion | F# – A# – B – D# | F# | B Major Seventh Chord/F# |
| Third Inversion | A# – B – D# – F# | A# | B Major Seventh Chord/A# |
Harmonic Function
The B major seventh chord commonly functions as the leading tone (vii) in C major or dominant (V) in E major. Its harmonic role varies by key — in major keys it provides extended harmonic tension.
The major seventh chord adds a major seventh to the major triad, creating a lush, sophisticated sound. It is central to jazz harmony and gives a dreamy, unresolved brightness.
Common Progressions
The B Major Seventh Chord frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):
Imaj7-IVmaj7Imaj7-ii-V
Songs Featuring the Major Seventh Chord
Well-known songs where the B Major Seventh Chord — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:
- Don't Know Why – Norah Jones
- Misty – Erroll Garner
- Easy – Commodores
Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments
Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.
| Note | Equal Temp. | Pythagorean | Just Intonation |
|---|---|---|---|
| B | 493.883 Hz | 495.000 Hz | 490.548 Hz |
| D# | 311.127 Hz | 309.026 Hz | 313.951 Hz |
| F# | 369.994 Hz | 371.251 Hz | 367.911 Hz |
| A# | 466.164 Hz | 463.538 Hz | 470.926 Hz |
Scales Containing the B Major Seventh Chord
These scales include the B Major Seventh Chord as a diatonic or characteristic chord: