The Cmaj7 chord, often written as C major 7, is a sonically intriguing chord that brings a unique flavor to guitar music. It’s known for its warm yet open sound, often described as having a slightly questioning or unresolved quality. This distinctive tone makes the Cmaj7 chord a favorite in diverse musical styles, from pop ballads to even heavier rock compositions.
In this lesson, we will guide you through an easy way to play the Cmaj7 chord on your guitar. We’ll also explore some popular songs that incorporate this chord, giving you practical examples of how to use it in your playing. Let’s dive in and discover the charm of the Cmaj7 chord.
What is a Cmaj7 Chord?
To understand the Cmaj7 chord, it’s helpful to look at the notes that constitute it. This chord is built from four essential notes:
- C (the root)
- E (major third)
- G (perfect fifth)
- B (major seventh)
As you progress in your guitar journey, you’ll encounter chord formulas for major and minor chords. Seventh chords, like Cmaj7, introduce a slight variation by adding a major 7th interval to the standard major chord formula. This added note, in this case B, is what gives the Cmaj7 chord its characteristic and somewhat sophisticated sound.
Essentially, the Cmaj7 chord expands upon the familiar C major chord by including the 7th degree of the C major scale, creating a richer and more complex harmonic texture.
How to Play Cmaj7 Chord – Open Position
One of the simplest and most common ways to play the Chord Guitar Cmaj7 is in the open position. This voicing is particularly beginner-friendly and utilizes standard guitar tuning. Remarkably, this version of the chord only requires the use of two fingers.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to playing the open position Cmaj7 chord:
- Middle finger: Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string).
- Ring finger: Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string (5th string).
Leave the other strings open.
To play the chord, strum downwards across five strings, starting from the A string (5th string). You should hear the full, resonant sound of the Cmaj7 chord.
For a visual and auditory guide, you can also explore online guitar resources that demonstrate the Cmaj7 guitar chord in action.
Songs Featuring the Cmaj7 Chord
The Cmaj7 chord’s versatility is evident in its presence across many musical genres. It feels equally comfortable in classic pop songs and alternative rock anthems. Want to try playing the chord guitar cmaj7 in some well-known songs? Here are a few examples to get you started:
In alternative rock, listen for the Cmaj7 in Soundgarden’s powerful track, “Fell On Black Days”. The Cmaj7 chord appears in the bridge, adding a layer of rhythmic guitar that balances strength with a touch of melancholy.
For a different mood, Frank Sinatra’s rendition of the holiday favorite, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, beautifully incorporates the Cmaj7. Pay attention to how the Cmaj7 interacts with major chords like G and E, minor chords such as Em and Am, and other 7th chords (D7, G7, and E7) to appreciate the emotional depth created by these chord combinations.
The Cmaj7 chord also contributes to storytelling in contemporary music, as heard in Lukas Graham’s “7 Years” and Incubus’ introspective song “Drive”. In both songs, the Cmaj7 helps create a nuanced atmosphere, blending optimism with reflection.
Conclusion
The Cmaj7 chord guitar is a valuable addition to any guitarist’s chord vocabulary. Its unique sound and ease of playing in the open position make it a rewarding chord to learn early on. By understanding its construction and practicing its application in songs, you’ll expand your musical expression and open up new creative possibilities on the guitar. Continue exploring different chords and songs to further develop your guitar skills and musical journey.
