Cmaj7 chord (C major 7th) on guitar
How to finger Cmaj7, which notes it contains and which chords it is played with. Tap the diagram to hear it, then play it below in a progression with other chords.
About the Cmaj7 chord
Cmaj7 is C major 7th. Notes: C – E – G – B. Formula: 1 – 3 – 5 – 7.
Difficulty: easy (1 out of 3). Few fingers and a comfortable position: fine from the first weeks. Beginners need it less often, but it adds a distinct colour to accompaniment and makes the sound richer.
How to place your fingers
- String 6 (E): do not play
- String 5 (A): fret 3
- String 4 (D): fret 2
- String 3 (G): open
- String 2 (B): open
- String 1 (e): open
Where it appears
Cmaj7 is found in these keys: C (Imaj7), G (IVmaj7).
Progressions with Cmaj7
Every progression starts on Cmaj7 and all its chords come from one key, so the changes sound natural. Play them in the block above; the Roman numerals show each chord's degree.
Try it in practice
Practise chord changes