Minor Major 7 Chords

This lesson will cover all the voicings for minor major 7 drop 2, drop 3
and drop 2 and 4 chords. Along with the chord shapes, an example
using C minor major 7 in music and tab is included for each chord type.
Before we get started with the chord shapes, be sure to take note of
the following analysis of the minor major 7 chord:

 A minor major 7 chord contains chord tones 1,

b3, 5 and 7. With C as the root, the chord is spelt:
C – Eb – G – B
 It occurs naturally on:
 The first scale degree of the melodic minor
scale
 The first scale degree of the harmonic
minor scale
 Its function is usually that of a I chord in a
minor II – V – I chord progression
 The minor major 7 chord can also be used as a
chord substitution for a variety of different
chords.
 To learn more about chord substitutions,
check out lessons on Chord Substitutions here!
For information on how to play minor major 7 arpeggios, be sure to
check out the minor major 7 arpeggio page here!

Practice Suggestions

 Focus on one string group and one chord type at a

time. Eg. Drop 2 chords beginning on the Low-E
string
  Be able to play each inversion of the minor major
7 chords in time with a metronome, first very
slowly. Increase speed gradually over time
 Be able to sing each note in each minor major 7
chord from lowest to highest. This helps develop
your ear and will allow you to make better
decisions when playing chords

Minor Major 7 – Drop 2 Chords

E-String

A-String
D-String
The music and tab below includes all the chords and inversions posted
above using the C minor major 7 chord as an example. It has been
included to help give context to the shapes above if you are not quite
familiar with the notes on the fretboard yet. Each line covers a different
string group of drop 2 chords. The first line includes drop 2 chords built
form the E-string, the second line includes drop 2 chords build from the
A-string and the third line includes drop chords built from the D-string.
The same examples are posted for the following drop 3, and drop 2 and
4 chords.

Example with C Minor Major 7

Minor Major 7 – Drop 3 Chords

E-String
 A-String

Example with C Minor Major 7

Minor Major 7 – Drop 2 and 4 Chords

E-String
 A-String

Example with C Minor Major 7

Minor Major 7 Arpeggios
This lesson includes four arpeggio approaches for the minor major
7 arpeggio, including:
 1-2-1 arpeggios
 2-1-1 arpeggios
 1-2 arpeggios
 2-1 arpeggios
The first two approaches, 1-2-1 and 2-1-1 deal with shifting positions
at the octave. These two arpeggio approaches allow the player to
perform large, symmetrical arpeggiated runs.
Approaches 1-2 and 2-1 allow the player to stay within position (for
the most part), and provide opportunities to experiment with legato
lines. For additional information on the arpeggio approach and the
abbreviations (1-2-1, 2-1-1, etc…), check out the Approaches to
Arpeggios page.
Each of the examples in this lesson include the recommended
fingering. After mastering these arpeggios, be sure to take your
practice to the test with more arpeggio related lessons!
For more information on minor major 7 harmony, including common
uses and analysis, check out the minor major 7 chord page.

Practice Suggestions
 Concentrate on one arpeggio approach at a time
 Play arpeggio slowly ascending and then
descending. Suggested fingerings are labelled
beneath each note
 Focus on even, clear tone and accuracy as you
play through the arpeggio
 Practice with a metronome, first very slowly, then
gradually increase speed
 Improvise in the context of tune, or vamp of the
chord itself

………………

1-2-1 Minor Major 7 Arpeggios

E-String
A-String
2-1-1 Minor Major 7 Arpeggios
E-String
A-String
More Arpeggios

Below is a list of links to all of the other basic seventh chord

structures and their greater than an octave arpeggios. Each
link includes 1-2-1, 2-1-1, 1-2 and 2-1 arpeggios
Major 7th
Major 7b5
Major 7#5
Dominant 7
Dominant 7b5
Dominant 7#5
Minor 7th
Minor 7b5
Minor Major 7th
Diminished 7th

1-2 Minor Major 7 Arpeggios

E-String
A-String
 D-String

2-1 Minor Major 7 Arpeggios

E-String
A-String
D-String