Open-position 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.
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.
Movable / barre version
Use x35453 or 8x998x for movable Cmaj7 color.
Easier version
Use x3200x if the open high E is too bright.
Alternate chord colors
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.