The C major 7th chord, often written as Cmaj7, brings a distinctive and intriguing flavor to guitar music. Its sound is often described as warm yet unresolved, lending a sense of sophistication and depth that can elevate various musical styles, from pop ballads to rock anthems. This unique sonic quality is why the Cmaj7 is a favorite among songwriters and guitarists across genres.
In this guide, we’ll explore a simple way to play the C major 7th chord on your guitar and discover some well-known songs that feature its captivating sound. Let’s dive in and enrich your chord vocabulary.
Understanding the C Major 7th Chord
The Cmaj7 chord is built from four fundamental notes:
- C (the root)
- E (the major third)
- G (the perfect fifth)
- B (the major seventh)
As you progress in your guitar journey, you’ll encounter chord formulas that define major and minor chords. Seventh chords, such as the Cmaj7, introduce a slight variation by adding a major 7th interval to the standard major chord structure. This added note is the key ingredient that gives 7th chords their characteristic and slightly jazzy or complex sonic texture.
Specifically, the C major 7th chord combines the root note (C), the major third (E), the perfect fifth (G), and the major seventh (B) to create its signature sound. This combination of notes creates a richer and more nuanced sound compared to a simple C major chord.
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Playing the C Major 7th Chord: Open Position (Version 1)
Now that we’ve touched upon the musical theory behind the C major 7th chord, let’s get practical and learn how to play it. One of the most accessible ways to play the Cmaj7 chord is in the open position. This chord voicing is designed for guitars in standard tuning and conveniently only requires the use of two fingers.
Here’s how to position your fingers to play the open version of the C major 7th chord on your guitar:
- Middle finger: Place on the 2nd fret of the D (4th) string.
- Ring finger: Place on the 3rd fret of the A (5th) string.
Strum downwards across the top five strings, starting from the A (5th) string. You should hear the full, resonant sound of the C major 7th chord. Ensure you are only strumming the correct strings to achieve a clean and clear sound.
For a visual and auditory guide, check out the Cmaj7 guitar chord lesson on Fender Play. This can help solidify your understanding and technique.
Explore Songs That Use the C Major 7th Chord
The C major 7th chord is versatile and appears in a diverse range of musical genres. It feels just as comfortable in popular hits as it does in alternative rock classics. Ready to try playing the Cmaj7 chord in some familiar tunes? Unlock these song lessons below and gain access to many more songs when you sign up for a free trial of Fender Play.
Notably, listen for the Cmaj7 chord in Soundgarden’s powerful track, “Fell On Black Days”. The Cmaj7 chord is featured in the bridge, adding a layer of rhythmic guitar that is both forceful and melancholic, perfectly capturing the song’s mood.
Capitalizing on the Cmaj7 chord’s slightly dreamy and reflective quality, Frank Sinatra’s rendition of the holiday favorite, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, beautifully incorporates this chord. Pay attention to how the Cmaj7 chord interacts with other major chords (like G and E), minor chords (Em and Am), and other 7th chords (including D7, G7, and E7) in the song. This will help you appreciate the emotional depth and color that these chords bring when played together.
The storytelling capability of the Cmaj7 is also evident in Lukas Graham’s hit “7 Years” and Incubus’ introspective song “Drive”. In both tracks, the Cmaj7 chord contributes to a feeling of thoughtful optimism and introspection, enhancing the lyrical themes.
Continue Your Guitar Education with Fender Play Lessons
Mastering the guitar requires consistent practice and dedication. Allocate some time each day to reinforce what you learn and progressively build your guitar skills. Learning chords is a foundational skill for any guitarist. To further expand your musical knowledge, explore Fender Play’s extensive chord library. Once you are confident playing the C major 7th chord and other essential chords, you can apply this knowledge to learn a vast collection of songs. Start your musical journey with a free trial of Fender Play today and unlock your full potential.
