Cmaj7 Chord
Lush, jazzy — major triad plus the natural 7th.
Cmaj7
Notes in this voicing: C · E · G · B
Root
C
Quality
Major 7th
Difficulty
Intermediate
Type
Extended
String-by-String Fingering
Low EX
Mute the Low E string so it does not ring.
AFret 3
Fret the A string at fret 3 with your ring finger (C).
DFret 2
Fret the D string at fret 2 with your middle finger (E).
GO
Play the G string open (G).
BO
Play the B string open (B).
High EO
Play the High E string open (E).
Finger Number Legend
1Index
2Middle
3Ring
4Pinky
How to Play It
- Start your strum from the A string and avoid any strings marked X.
- Keep your fingertips close to the fret wire so the Cmaj7 chord rings without buzz.
- Voice the maj7 on top for the sweetest sound.
- Great substitute for a I chord in ballads.
Suggested Strumming Pattern
Down, down-up, pause, up-down-up; let the upper notes breathe instead of over-strumming.
Common Mistakes
- Grabbing a dominant 7 instead — it flattens the mood immediately.
- Strumming into muted strings instead of stopping at the first ringing string.
Songs That Use This Chord Type
- • Something — The Beatles
- • Wave — Antonio Carlos Jobim
Alternative Shape
Try this movable version when you need a different neck position, a tighter rock rhythm sound, or a smoother transition from nearby barre chords.
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