Cmaj7 Chord (C major 7th) on Guitar
Cmaj7 (C major 7th) is made of the notes C – E – G – B. The easiest guitar fingering is x32000 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it comfortable to play.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play Cmaj7
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3 (C).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2 (E).
- Play the 3rd string (G) open (G).
- Play the 2nd string (B) open (B).
- Play the 1st string (high e) open (E).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 3 | C | R |
| 4th string (D) | 2 | E | 3 |
| 3rd string (G) | 0 (open) | G | 5 |
| 2nd string (B) | 0 (open) | B | 7 |
| 1st string (high e) | 0 (open) | E | 3 |
What is a C major 7th chord?
A major 7th chord adds a major seventh, one half step below the root, on top of a major triad.
Notes and formula. Cmaj7 contains C, E, G, B. Counted from the root C, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 7 (major 7th).
Sound. Smooth, lush and slightly dreamy. It is a major chord with extra sophistication and none of the bluesy tension of a dominant 7th.
Where it is used. Common in soul, jazz, bossa nova, R&B, indie and acoustic pop, usually on the I and IV chords of a major key.
Tips for playing Cmaj7
Play it softly with your thumb or a light pick attack. Maj7 chords sound best when the notes ring together without being strummed hard.
Common mistake: Strumming every string with force. Some shapes include a close interval (a half step) between two strings that sounds harsh if hit too hard.
Keys that contain Cmaj7
Cmaj7 is a diatonic chord, meaning it occurs naturally without accidentals, in these keys:
Try it in a progression: browse chord progressions for every key.
Scales to play over Cmaj7
Related chords
Cmaj7 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Cmaj7 chord?
Cmaj7 (C major 7th) contains the notes C, E, G, B. The formula is R–3–5–7 relative to the root C.
How do you play Cmaj7 on guitar?
The most common shape for Cmaj7 is x32000, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it comfortable to play.
Is Cmaj7 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it comfortable to play.
Which keys contain Cmaj7?
Cmaj7 is a diatonic chord in C major (I), G major (IV), A minor (III), E minor (VI).
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