Cmaj7 Guitar Chord

Cmaj7 is a major seventh chord. It adds a major seventh to a major chord for a soft, dreamy sound. Its notes are C, E, G and B. Below are 3 ways to play it, each with a chord diagram, tab and finger numbers.

Notes in Cmaj7

NoteDegreeInterval
CRRoot
E3Major 3rd
G5Perfect 5th
B7Major 7th

Formula: 1–3–5–7

Cmaj7 chord shapes

Finger numbers: 1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 pinky. In the tab, x means don't play that string and 0 means play it open. In the diagrams the top line is the 1st (thinnest) string and the nut is on the left.

  • Open

    Easiest
    ✕32
    Tab (6th → 1st string)
    x 3 2 0 0 0
    Fingers
    – 3 2 – – –
  • A-shape 3fr

    ✕13241
    Tab (6th → 1st string)
    x 3 5 4 5 3
    Fingers
    – 1 3 2 4 1
  • E-shape 8fr

    8fr132411
    Tab (6th → 1st string)
    8 10 9 9 8 8
    Fingers
    1 3 2 4 1 1

How to play Cmaj7 (easiest shape)

Shape: Open, tab x 3 2 0 0 0 (6th to 1st string).

✕32
  1. 1Put your middle finger (2) on the 4th string at the 2nd fret.
  2. 2Put your ring finger (3) on the 5th string at the 3rd fret.
  3. 3Let the 3rd, 2nd and 1st strings ring open.
  4. 4Don't play the 6th string.
  5. 5Strum down from the 5th string to the 1st string.

Cmaj7: common questions

What notes are in the Cmaj7 chord?
Cmaj7 has 4 notes: C, E, G and B. Counted from the root, that is 1–3–5–7.
Is there an easier way to play Cmaj7?
The easiest shape on this page is "Open" (x 3 2 0 0 0). It needs no barre: each finger presses just one string.

Same chord type, other roots

More guitar tools

See all 231 chords in the chord library, find a scale to play over them, or tune up before you start.

Electric guitar amp & effects plugin for beginners

Amps and effects, all in one plugin.

See product