Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

To play the C Major 7th chord on guitar, find the notes C, E, G, B across the fretboard. The root C typically goes on the 6th or 5th string. Use the interactive fretboard above to see exact finger placement for this seventh chord shape.

Guitar Chord

Cmaj7 Guitar Chord

A major triad with a major seventh. Warm, sophisticated sound used in jazz and R&B. Learn the C Major 7th chord on guitar with interactive fretboard, audio playback, and multiple voicings.

Notes
C – E – G – B
Intervals
0 – 4 – 7 – 11
Type
seventh chord
C E G B
E
A
D
G
B
e
3
5
7
9
12
4 notes · Standard (E A D G B E)

Playing the Cmaj7 Guitar Chord

The Cmaj7 chord is a major 7th chord built on the root C. It contains 4 notes: C, E, G, B. On guitar, this chord can be played in multiple positions across the fretboard, from open shapes to barre chord voicings.

A major triad with a major seventh. Warm, sophisticated sound used in jazz and R&B. For guitarists, mastering the Cmaj7 chord unlocks many songs in the key of C.

Recommended Cmaj7 Guitar Voicing

The interactive fretboard above shows a practical Cmaj7 voicing. The chord notes (C, E, G, B) appear as highlighted positions. Tap any highlighted fret to hear that note, or click "Play Cmaj7" to hear the full chord.

Interval Structure of Cmaj7

Degree Interval Semitones Note in C
Root Root (R) 0 C
3rd Major 3rd 4 E
5th Perfect 5th 7 G
7th Major 7th 11 B

Common Progressions with Cmaj7 on Guitar

  • I–IV–V: Cmaj7 – Fmaj7 – Gmaj7 (foundation of blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Cmaj7 – G – Am – F (modern pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: Cmaj7 – Am – F – G (50s doo-wop)

Tips for Practicing Cmaj7 on Guitar

Start by finding the root note C on the 6th and 5th strings. Build the chord shape from there. Practice transitioning between Cmaj7 and nearby chords like F and G. Use slow, deliberate strums and check each string rings clearly.

Other C Guitar Chords

C
Major
Cm
Minor
C7
Dominant 7th
Cm7
Minor 7th
Cdim
Diminished
Caug
Augmented

Major 7th Chord in All 12 Keys

Cmaj7 C#maj7 Dmaj7 D#maj7 Emaj7 Fmaj7 F#maj7 Gmaj7 G#maj7 Amaj7 A#maj7 Bmaj7
Virtual Guitar
Interactive fretboard
Cmaj7 Piano
Piano chord diagram
C Scale
Notes that fit this chord
Songs
Find songs using Cmaj7

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Cmaj7 Guitar Chord — FAQ

Everything you need to know about our browser-based Web Audio engine, instruments, and music theory workspace.

How do I play the Cmaj7 chord on guitar?

To play the C Major 7th chord on guitar, find the notes C, E, G, B across the fretboard.

The root C typically goes on the 6th or 5th string. Use the interactive fretboard above to see exact finger placement for this seventh chord shape.

What notes make up the Cmaj7 guitar chord?

The C Major 7th guitar chord contains 4 notes: C, E, G, B.

These are derived from the major 7th interval formula applied to the root C.

What is the best guitar voicing for Cmaj7?

The most common guitar voicing for Cmaj7 uses a root position with C on the 6th or 5th string.

The exact frets depend on your preferred voicing — the interactive fretboard above shows a recommended open or barre position shape.

Is Cmaj7 a beginner-friendly guitar chord?

Cmaj7 has 4 notes, which may require more advanced finger stretching.

Start with the basic seventh shape and practice clean transitions.

What is a barre chord version of Cmaj7?

A barre chord version of Cmaj7 uses your index finger pressed across all strings at a specific fret, with the remaining fingers forming the chord shape.

The root C determines the barre position on the 6th or 5th string.

What are common chord progressions with Cmaj7 on guitar?

Cmaj7 is widely used in jazz ii–V–I turnarounds, blues progressions, and modal funk vamps.

How does Cmaj7 sound different on guitar vs piano?

The Cmaj7 chord contains the same notes (C, E, G, B) on both instruments.

On guitar, the voicing depends on string selection and fret position, creating a different timbre. Guitar chords often include string-specific articulations like hammer-ons and pull-offs.

Can I play Cmaj7 as an open chord on guitar?

Open voicings of Cmaj7 require C to be playable within the first 3 frets.

If open shapes aren't available, use a barre chord voicing instead.

What is the difference between the Cmaj7 chord on guitar and ukulele?

The Cmaj7 chord contains the same notes (C, E, G, B) on both instruments.

However, the guitar has 6 strings in EADGBE tuning while the ukulele has 4 strings in GCEA tuning, so the finger shapes are completely different.

How do I practice transitioning to and from Cmaj7 on guitar?

Practice moving between Cmaj7 and its neighboring chords in the key of C major: F and G.

Use a metronome at a slow tempo (60 BPM) and focus on clean, simultaneous finger placement.