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C Major 7 (Cmaj7) Chord Guitar

A dreamier, more reflective alternative to plain C major.

Replaces the octave root with a major seventh for a dreamier character.
A softer, more unresolved alternative to plain C major.
Common as the I chord in jazz, bossa nova and singer-songwriter writing.
Pairs naturally with Am7 and Dm7 in smooth jazz-leaning sequences.

Root3rd5th7th

E6th

FretMuted

Finger—

A5th

Fret3

Finger3

D4th

Fret2

Finger2

G3rd

FretOpen

FingerOpen

B2nd

FretOpen

FingerOpen

e1st

FretOpen

FingerOpen

Notes: C – E – G – B · Formula: 1 – 3 – 5 – 7

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Questions about C Major 7 (Cmaj7)

What notes are in a C Major 7 (Cmaj7) chord?

A C Major 7 (Cmaj7) chord contains the notes C, E, G, B. It is built from the major 7th formula 1 - 3 - 5 - 7, with C as the root.

What is the difference between C and Cmaj7?

Cmaj7 keeps C major's triad but swaps a doubled root for a B — the major seventh. That single note softens the chord and leaves it feeling unresolved, which is exactly why it's favoured in jazz and bossa nova over a plain C.

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C Major 7 (Cmaj7) Chord Guitar

This chord sounds even better than it looks.

Questions about C Major 7 (Cmaj7)

What notes are in a C Major 7 (Cmaj7) chord?

What is the difference between C and Cmaj7?

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