transpose.siteCmaj7 chord (C major seventh)
The Cmaj7 chord is a major seventh chord built on C. A major chord plus a major seventh. The seventh sits a half step below the root, giving a dreamy, warm color that suits ballads and opening chords.
Cmaj7 guitar chord
Common shape
Barre, root on 5th string (fret 3)
The left vertical line is the 6th (thickest) string. Numbers in dots are fingers (1 index · 2 middle · 3 ring · 4 little), × means don't play that string and ○ means open.
Play it the easy way with a capo
- Capo on fret 7 + Fmaj7 shape
With a capo on for the whole song, every other chord moves by the same number of frets.
Cmaj7 chord notes
| Degree | 1 (root) | 3 (major 3rd) | 5 (perfect 5th) | 7 (major 7th) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | C | E | G | B |
Cmaj7 piano chord
On piano, press these 4 notes together. Bass players usually play the root, C.
Keys that use Cmaj7
- C major: Imaj7
- G major: IVmaj7
- E minor: VImaj7
- A minor: IIImaj7
Progressions in C major
- Cmaj7 – G – Am – F (I – V – vi – IV, the most common pop progression)
- Cmaj7 – Am – F – G (I – vi – IV – V, the '50s progression, ballads)
Transposing Cmaj7
One half step up, Cmaj7 becomes C♯maj7; one half step down, Bmaj7. To change the key of a whole PDF score, open it in the free PDF transposer.