What Is A Delta Chord?
If you’re relatively new to music theory, you might not be familiar with the term delta chord. In this article we explore delta chords and explain what they are and when and where to use them. For all you need to know about delta chords, read on.
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What Is A Delta Chord?
The word delta signifies something that is triangular in shape, a river delta is an area of land, shaped like a triangle where a river splits into different branches before emptying into the sea. In music a delta chord is a major 7th chord consisting of the root note, the major third above the root and the major seventh above the root note. It can be written as maj7,Δ, or ⑦.
The major seventh chord of C, which is most commonly written as Cmaj7 contains the notes C,E,G,B. To play delta chords on the guitar follow the list below.
Delta (Major Seventh Chords) For The Guitar
On a standard six-string guitar tuned to standard tuning, starting from the 6th string, thickest bass string and the symbol x meaning don’t sound the string, the delta chords run as follows;
Amaj7
xxx224 or xx7654 or x02120
Bmaj7
7988xx or x2342
Cmaj7
X32000 or x35453
Dmaj7
Xx0222 or x57675
Emaj7
Xx2444 or 021100
Fmaj7
103210 or xx3210 or xx3555
Gmaj7
320002 or xx5777
Examples of delta chords in music
Here are some examples of the use of delta chords in some well known tunes.
Gymnopédie No.1 by Erik Satie features alternating delta chords.
One Of These Nights by The Eagles uses delta chords.
Make it with you by Bread also makes use of the major 7th chord.
Frequently Asked Questions
The symbol Δ in music means delta which is more commonly known as the major seventh chord.
The delta or triangle in chords means the major seventh chord. Or the chord made up from the root note, the major third above the root and the major seventh above the root note.
C Δ 7 means Cmaj7 which consists of the notes C,E,G.B.
