C#maj7 Chord (C# major 7th) on Guitar
C#maj7 (C# major 7th) is made of the notes C# – E# – G# – B#. The easiest guitar fingering is x43111 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play C#maj7
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 4 (C#).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 3 (E#).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1 (G#).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 1 (B#).
- Press the 1st string (high e) at fret 1 (E#).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 4 | C# | R |
| 4th string (D) | 3 | E# | 3 |
| 3rd string (G) | 1 | G# | 5 |
| 2nd string (B) | 1 | B# | 7 |
| 1st string (high e) | 1 | 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. C#maj7 contains C#, E#, G#, B#. Counted from the root C#, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 7 (major 7th). It is also written Dbmaj7; the two names sound identical and the name used depends on the key of the song.
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 C#maj7
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 C#maj7
C#maj7 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 C#maj7
Related chords
C#maj7 chord FAQ
What notes are in a C#maj7 chord?
C#maj7 (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 C#maj7 on guitar?
The most common shape for C#maj7 is x43111, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Is C#maj7 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Is C#maj7 the same as Dbmaj7?
Yes. C# and Db are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so C#maj7 and Dbmaj7 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
Which keys contain C#maj7?
C#maj7 is a diatonic chord in C# major (I), Ab major (IV), Bb minor (III), F minor (VI).
Get one useful guitar tip a week
New chord guides, practice ideas and app updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.