Cmaj7 guitar chord
The C major 7th chord: every way to play it on the neck, the notes in it, and the scales that sound good over it.
What's in Cmaj7
- Notes
- C – E – G – B
- Formula
- 1 – 3 – 5 – 7
- Name
- C major 7th
Cmaj7C · E · G · B
3 ways to play it · Tuning E A D G B E
- A shape · 3rd fret
- E shape · 8th fret
- D shape · 10th fret
What to play over Cmaj7
Start with the chord's own notes — C, E, G, B — and land on them on the strong beats. Then reach for a scale; which one depends on the chord's job in the song.
- C major scale
The major scale, when the chord is the home chord (Imaj7).
- C Lydian mode
The ♯4 replaces the 4 that clashes with the chord’s 3rd — the sound of a IVmaj7.
- C major pentatonic scale
Five notes with no clash, a safe and open sound.
Questions
What notes are in a Cmaj7 chord?
Cmaj7 has 4 notes: C, E, G, B. Counted from the root, its formula is 1 – 3 – 5 – 7.
What scale goes with Cmaj7?
C major scale is the place to start. The major scale, when the chord is the home chord (Imaj7).