Cmaj7 Chord on Guitar (C major seventh)
Cmaj7 is a major seventh chord with a dreamy, warm and relaxed sound. It contains the notes C – E – G – B (major chord + major seventh). Below you will find 4 ways to play it on guitar.
How to play Cmaj7
Position 1: x 3 2 0 0 0
- low E: don't play
- A: fret 3
- D: fret 2
- G: open
- B: open
- high E: open
Position 2: x 3 5 4 5 3
- low E: don't play
- A: fret 3
- D: fret 5
- G: fret 4
- B: fret 5
- high E: fret 3
Position 3: 8 10 9 9 8 8
- low E: fret 8
- A: fret 10
- D: fret 9
- G: fret 9
- B: fret 8
- high E: fret 8
Position 4: x x 10 12 12 12
- low E: don't play
- A: don't play
- D: fret 10
- G: fret 12
- B: fret 12
- high E: fret 12
The first shape is an open chord: it uses open strings, so it is the easiest way to play Cmaj7 and rings out the most. Strum only the strings that are not marked with an x.
Chord theory
A major seventh chord adds a major seventh (11 half steps above the root, one half step below the octave) to a major triad. The close distance between the seventh and the root gives it a floating, jazzy colour.
Degrees: 1 = C, 3 = E, 5 = G, 7 = B
Using Cmaj7 in songs
Major sevenths are used on the 1st and 4th degrees of a major key. Try swapping a plain major chord for its maj7 version in a slow song to add warmth.