Open version
Use x32000 and listen to the open B as the major seventh.
Guitar chord
Cmaj7 Guitar Chord
Cmaj7 is a major seventh chord built from C, E, G, B. Soft major tonic color in C and smooth jazz, indie, lofi, and fingerstyle loops.
- Beginner
- Major seventh chord
- 1-3-5-7
- open and barre shapes
Cmaj7 at a glance
Start with the notes and a practical fingering before changing voicings.
| Chord detail | What it means on guitar |
|---|---|
| Notes in the chord | C, E, G, B |
| Basic fingering | Open Cmaj7: x32000, a C major shape with the index finger lifted. |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Common use | Soft major tonic color in C and smooth jazz, indie, lofi, and fingerstyle loops. |
Fingering and voicings
Choose the version that keeps the progression clean in time.
Barre version
Use x35453 or 8x998x for movable Cmaj7 color.
Easier version
Use x3200x if the open high E is too bright.
Alternate voicing
C6 (x32210) is warmer; Cadd9 (x32030) is more open and pop-oriented.
Theory for Cmaj7
The chord name tells you the interval recipe; the key tells you its job.
| Concept | Value |
|---|---|
| Formula | 1-3-5-7 |
| Notes | C, E, G, B |
| Chord family | Major seventh chord |
| Diatonic keys where it appears | C major, G major, A minor, E minor |
Common progressions using Cmaj7
Use these pages to hear the chord inside real movement instead of as an isolated shape.
Practice it in context
Open StrumForge to place Cmaj7 inside a progression with diagrams, playback, and scale context.
- StrumForge app Open the main guitar-first progression generator.
- Guitar chord progression generator Generate playable four-chord loops with diagrams and groove playback.
- Guitar practice app Use the native apps for daily practice, saved ideas, and longer sessions.
- Features See the progression, playback, diagram, and scale tools in one place.
FAQ
Short answers for players using this page as a practice or writing reference.
What notes are in Cmaj7?
Cmaj7 contains C, E, G, B.
What is the easiest Cmaj7 guitar shape?
Use x3200x if the open high E is too bright.
Is Cmaj7 a beginner chord?
Beginner is the practical difficulty. Use the easier version if the full voicing slows the progression down.
What progressions use Cmaj7?
Common examples include I-V-vi-IV Guitar Chord Progression, I-IV-V Guitar Chord Progression, vi-IV-I-V Guitar Chord Progression.