Cmaj7 7e Majeure Accord

A major triad with a major seventh. Warm, sophisticated sound used in jazz and R&B.

Cmaj7 Accord — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

The Cmaj7 (Major 7th) chord consists of the notes C, E, G, B. It is constructed from the root note C using the major 7th interval formula (0–4–7–11 semitones).

Formula: 0 – 4 – 7 – 11
Notes
C – E – G – B
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 4 – 7 – 11
Type
7th Chord

Cmaj7 on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the Cmaj7 chord.

R
C (Root (R))
2
E (Major 3rd)
3
G (Perfect 5th)
4
B (Major 7th)

Cmaj7 on Guitar

Fret numbers (low E → high e string): x32000 (x=mute, 0=open)

x
E
3
A
2
D
0
G
0
B
0
e

Interval Analysis

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

About the C 7e Majeure Chord

The Cmaj7 chord (C 7e Majeure) consists of 4 notes: C, E, G, B. A major triad with a major seventh. Warm, sophisticated sound used in jazz and R&B.

To build any major 7th chord, apply intervals of 0, 4, 7, 11 semitones above the root. Starting from C: the notes land on C, E, G, B.

Playing Cmaj7 on Piano

Press C, E, G, B simultaneously. In root position, C is lowest. First inversion places E in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses G as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using Cmaj7

  • I–IV–V: Cmaj7 – Fmaj7 – Gmaj7 (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Cmaj7 – G – Am – F (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: Cmaj7 – Am – F – G (50s progression)

The Cmaj7 Chord in Context

The Cmaj7 (7e Majeure) chord features a distinctive a major triad with a major seventh. warm, sophisticated sound used in jazz and r&b. built from the intervals 0–4–7–11. It provides rich harmonic color and tension across pop, jazz, classical, and contemporary compositions.

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Cmaj7 Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

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

What notes are in the Cmaj7 chord?

The C 7e Majeure chord contains: C, E, G, B.

These notes are derived by applying the major 7th interval formula (0–4–7–11 semitones) to the root note C.

What is the Cmaj7 chord used for?

A major triad with a major seventh.

Warm, sophisticated sound used in jazz and R&B. The Cmaj7 chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of C major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.

How do you play Cmaj7 on piano?

On piano, play C, E, G, B simultaneously.

In root position, C is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has E lowest, second inversion has G lowest.

How many notes are in a major 7th chord?

A major 7th chord has 4 notes: C, E, G, B (in C).

It is a 7th chord, extending beyond the basic triad.

What is the difference between C major and C minor?

The C major chord (C–E–G) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound.

The C minor chord (C–D#–G) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.

What key does Cmaj7 belong to?

Cmaj7 naturally serves as the I chord in the key of C major.

It also appears as IV in the key of G major, and as V in the key of F major.

Can I play Cmaj7 on ukulele?

Yes.

The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The Cmaj7 chord notes (C, E, G, B) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.

What chords go well with Cmaj7?

In the key of C major, Cmaj7 pairs naturally with F major (IV), G major (V), and Am (vi).

The classic I–IV–V (Cmaj7–F–G) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.

What is a chord inversion of Cmaj7?

An inversion places a non-root note in the bass.

Cmaj7 root position: C in bass. First inversion: E in bass. Second inversion: G in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.

How do I memorize the notes in a major 7th chord?

Remember the formula: 0–4–7–11 semitones from root.

For Cmaj7: start on C, add 4 semitones, then 7 semitones, then 11 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any major 7th chord.