Cmaj7 Chord Guide

Cmaj7. The dreamy, jazzy, sophisticated upgrade to plain old C major. Adds that floating major seventh (B note) for a lush, resolved-yet-open sound - C • E • G • B. Super common in pop, jazz, R&B, indie, classic rock, and singer-songwriter tunes because it brings emotion and color without much extra effort. Beginners love the easy open versions; intermediates dig the movable shapes for smoother changes.

Chord Voicings & Tablature

Common ways to play Cmaj7 on guitar:

Classic Open Position (x32000)

The easiest and most beautiful - just lift the index finger off the B string from a regular C. Rings clear and full.

e|---0---| B|---0---| G|---0---| D|---2---| A|---3---| E|---x---|

Easy open variation (x32003)

Add the pinky on the high e for extra sparkle and a fuller voicing.

e|---3---| B|---0---| G|---0---| D|---2---| A|---3---| E|---x---|

Four string simple (x3200x or x3500x)

Drop the low strings for cleanest changes - great for strumming or quick transitions.

e|---x---x--| B|---0---0--| G|---0---0--| D|---2---5--| A|---3---3--| E|---x---x--|

Barre/Movable shape (x35453)

Root on A string.

e|---3---| B|---5---| G|---4---| D|---5---| A|---3---| E|---x---|

Barre/Movable shape (8x998x)

Root on E string.

e|---x---| B|---8---| G|---9---| D|---9---| A|---x---| E|---8---|

Scales & Modes That Fit Perfectly

These scales live inside or perfectly complement Cmaj7 (same C major notes, but emphasizing the major 7th vibe):

Major Family Modes

C Ionian (Major): C D E F G A B C

The home scale - play it over Cmaj7 for that resolved, happy-yet-dreamy feel.


e|------------------0-1-3-5-7-8-|
B|--------------1-3-------------|
G|----------0-2-----------------|
D|----0-2-3---------------------|
A|--3---------------------------|
E|------------------------------|

C-Major Pentatonic: C D E G A C

Safe, melodic, no clashing notes - perfect for leads or fills over Cmaj7.


e|------------------3-5-8--|
B|--------------3-5--------|
G|----------2-5------------|
D|------2-5----------------|
A|--3-5--------------------|
E|-------------------------|

F Lydian: F G A B C D E F


e|---------------------------0-1-|
B|-----------------------1-3-----|
G|-----------------0-2-4---------|
D|-----------0-2-3---------------|
A|-----0-2-3---------------------|
E|-1-3---------------------------|

G Mixolydian: G A B C D E F G


e|-------------------------0-1-3--|
B|-------------------0-1-3--------|
G|---------------0-2--------------|
D|---------0-2-3------------------|
A|---0-2-3------------------------|
E|-3------------------------------|

Minor Family Modes (for relative minor feel)

A Aeolian (relative minor): A B C D E F G A


e|------------------------0-1-3-5-|
B|------------------0-1-3---------|
G|--------------0-2---------------|
D|--------0-2-3-------------------|
A|--0-2-3-------------------------|
E|--------------------------------|

A-Minor Pentatonic: A C D E G


e|---------------------5-8-|
B|-----------------5-8-----|
G|-------------5-7---------|
D|---------5-7-------------|
A|-----5-7-----------------|
E|-5-8---------------------|

Cmaj7 in Legendary Songs

Cmaj7 adds that magical touch to tons of hits. Try swapping plain C for Cmaj7 in I-IV-V progressions (C-F-G) for instant sophistication:

"Don't Know Why" – Norah Jones** - Iconic intro/verse uses Cmaj7 prominently for that jazzy warmth
"Let It Be" - The Beatles - Bridge and some verses float on Cmaj7 variations
"Space Oddity" – David Bowie - Opens with floating maj7 chords including Cmaj7 feel
"Still Got the Blues" - Gary Moore - Uses Cmaj7 in emotional progressions
"Waiting in Vain" – Bob Marley - Verses feature Gmaj7 to Cmaj7 movement
"Color My World" – Chicago - Intro/verses lean on maj7 chords including Cmaj7 family

A
A - Amaj7 - Amaj9 - Am9

C
C - Cmaj7

G
G - Gmaj7 - Gmaj9 - Gadd9 - G7 - G6 - Gsus4 - Gsus2 - Gaug - Gm - Gm7 - Gm9 - Gm6 - Gdim

Glossary
Guitar/amp/pedal terminology