Major seventh chord (maj7) on guitar
Cmaj7 is the major seventh chord: C, E, G and B (1–3–5–7). On guitar, the diagram shape is x 3 2 0 0 0, with C in the bass.
On the guitar, six strings give the chord room to breathe — some positions use them all, others ask you to mute the lowest ones. In this Cmaj7 voicing the bass is C and the shape runs from fret 2 to 3, ringing 3 open strings. Its hollow wooden body gives every chord a warm, natural ring that blooms and fades on its own.
Cmaj7 on guitar: shapes and notes →
Notes and formula of Cmaj7
Notes in Cmaj7: C – E – G – BFormula: 1 – 3 – 5 – 7In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.
Where to use it
A sophisticated tonic or subdominant in bossa, jazz and MPB.
See also
Part of the Sevenths family.