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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

Not played

E6th string

FretMuted

Finger—

Root

ABass5th string

Fret3

Finger3 ring

3rd

D4th string

Fret2

Finger2 middle

5th

G3rd string

FretOpen

Finger—

7th

B2nd string

FretOpen

Finger—

3rd

e1st string

FretOpen

Finger—

NotesC – E – G – B

Formula1 – 3 – 5 – 7

Voicingx32000

TonesC×1·E×2·G×1·B×1

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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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