All 4 ways to play Cmaj7 on guitar
-
x32000 open position -
x35453 at the 3rd fret -
xxx557 at the 5th fret -
x-x-10-12-12-12 at the 10th fret
Diagrams: strings run from the lowest on the left; X = don't play, O = open string, numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger).
How to play Cmaj7 on guitar
Main shape: x32000 (open position).
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 3rd fret of the A (5th) string.
- Put your index finger (1) on the 2nd fret of the D (4th) string.
- Let the G (3rd), B (2nd) and high E (1st) strings ring open (marked O).
- Don't play the low E (6th) string (marked X).
- Strum from the A (5th) string down (5 strings).
Cmaj7 notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| C | 1 | root |
| E | 3 | major 3rd |
| G | 5 | perfect 5th |
| B | 7 | major 7th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: Cmaj7/E (1st inversion), Cmaj7/G (2nd inversion) and Cmaj7/B (3rd inversion).
Cmaj7, CM7 and CΔ7 are three ways to write the same major 7th chord. Don't confuse it with Cm7 (small "m": minor 7th) or C7 (dominant 7th).
Cmaj7 on piano and ukulele
-
Cmaj7 piano chord C – E – G – B -
Cmaj7 on ukulele 0002
Which keys use Cmaj7?
Cmaj7 is one of the basic chords of 4 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| C major | Cmaj7 | Imaj7 | tonic |
| A minor | Cmaj7 | IIImaj7 | tonic |
| G major | Cmaj7 | IVmaj7 | predominant |
| E minor | Cmaj7 | VImaj7 | tonic or predominant |
Progressions with Cmaj7
- ii–V–I in C major: Dm7 – G7 – Cmaj7 A cadence that is extremely common in jazz.