Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

To play the C Major 7th chord on piano, press the keys C, E, G, B simultaneously. In root position, C is the lowest note. First inversion places E in the bass; second inversion uses G as the lowest note.

Piano Chord

Cmaj7 Piano Chord

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

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 Piano Chord

The Cmaj7 chord is a major 7th chord built on the root C. It contains 4 notes: C, E, G, B. On piano, this chord is played by pressing these keys simultaneously or as an arpeggio.

A major triad with a major seventh. Warm, sophisticated sound used in jazz and R&B. Mastering the Cmaj7 chord opens up countless songs and progressions in the key of C.

Piano Finger Positions for Cmaj7

For the Cmaj7 seventh chord, use these finger positions:

  • Right hand (root position): Thumb (1) on C, middle finger (3) on E, pinky (5) on G.
  • Left hand (root position): Pinky (5) on C, middle finger (3) on E, thumb (1) on G.
  • Arpeggiated: Play the notes sequentially from lowest to highest for a broken seventh effect.

Cmaj7 Chord Inversions

Inversions change the bass note while keeping the same harmonic quality:

Inversion Bass Note Notes (bottom to top) Sound
Root C C – E – G – B Most stable
1st E E – G – B – C Lighter, less stable
2nd G G – B – C – E Open, airy

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 Piano

  • I–IV–V–I: Cmaj7 – Fmaj7 – Gmaj7 – Cmaj7 (classic cadence)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Cmaj7 – G – Am – F (pop progression)
  • ii–V–I: Dm – G – Cmaj7 (jazz turnaround)

Other C Piano 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 Piano
Interactive keyboard
Cmaj7 Guitar
Guitar chord shapes
C Scale
Notes that fit this chord
Songs
Find songs using Cmaj7

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Cmaj7 Piano 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 piano?

To play the C Major 7th chord on piano, press the keys C, E, G, B simultaneously.

In root position, C is the lowest note. First inversion places E in the bass; second inversion uses G as the lowest note.

What are the notes in the Cmaj7 piano chord?

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

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

What is the best fingering for Cmaj7 on piano?

For the Cmaj7 seventh in root position, use fingers 1 (thumb), 3, and 5 for a triad, or 1, 2, 3, and 5 for a seventh chord.

Inversions may use 1, 2, 4 (first inversion) or 1, 3, 5 (second inversion).

What does the Cmaj7 chord sound like?

The Cmaj7 chord has a a major triad with a major seventh.

warm, sophisticated sound used in jazz and r&b. It provides rich harmonic tension and expressive color within songwriting and jazz arrangements.

What keys does the Cmaj7 chord belong to?

Cmaj7 appears frequently across modal, jazz, blues, and contemporary progressions as an essential tension or resolution voicing.

What are the inversions of Cmaj7 on piano?

Cmaj7 has 3 inversions.

Root position: C–E–G–B. First inversion: E–G–B–C. Second inversion: G–B–C–E.

What chords go well with Cmaj7 on piano?

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

The I–IV–V–I progression is a classic way to practice these.

Is Cmaj7 a good chord for beginners on piano?

Cmaj7 has 4 notes, which may be challenging for beginners.

Start with the basic triad (root, third, fifth) before adding the full seventh extension.

How do I use Cmaj7 in a chord progression?

Cmaj7 functions as the tonic (I) in C major.

A classic progression is I–IV–V–I: Cmaj7–F–G–Cmaj7. Practice this in both hands separately before combining.

What is the difference between C major and C minor on piano?

The C major chord (C–E–G) uses a major third (4 semitones from root) for a bright sound.

The Cm chord uses a minor third (3 semitones) for a darker, more emotional sound.