C#maj7 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 C#maj7
- Notes
- C# – E# – G# – B#
- Formula
- 1 – 3 – 5 – 7
- Name
- C# major 7th
C#maj7C# · E# · G# · B#
2 ways to play it · Tuning E A D G B E
- A shape · 4th fret
- E shape · 9th fret
What to play over C#maj7
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.
- D♭ major scale
The major scale, when the chord is the home chord (Imaj7).
- D♭ Lydian mode
The ♯4 replaces the 4 that clashes with the chord’s 3rd — the sound of a IVmaj7.
- D♭ major pentatonic scale
Five notes with no clash, a safe and open sound.
Questions
What notes are in a C#maj7 chord?
C#maj7 has 4 notes: C#, E#, G#, B#. Counted from the root, its formula is 1 – 3 – 5 – 7.
What scale goes with C#maj7?
D♭ major scale is the place to start. The major scale, when the chord is the home chord (Imaj7).