Cmaj7
Open PositionThe classic open Cmaj7 — the open C chord with the ring finger lifted off the D string. Only two fingers, and it sounds beautifully warm. The low E string is not strummed.
Cmaj7
3rd FretA-shape barre chord rooted on C at the 3rd fret. Mute the low E; barre fret 3 with your index, then add ring on D fret 5, middle on G fret 4, and pinky on B fret 5. A classic moveable maj7 voicing.
Cmaj7
8th FretA compact 4-string maj7 voicing with the root on the low E string at fret 8. Index on low E fret 8 (root), middle on B fret 8 (5th), ring on D fret 9 (maj7), pinky on G fret 9 (3rd). Mute the A and high e strings. No barre required.
Cmaj7
10th FretD-shape voicing with the root on the D string at fret 10. A compact, focused voicing — strum the top four strings only.
Cmaj7
7th FretA Drop 2 voicing on the top four strings — root, 3rd, 5th, and 7th stacked in order. A go-to jazz comping shape with a clear, sparkling sound.
Tips for Playing the Cmaj7 Chord
Lift, don't re-grip
If you already know the open C, just lift your ring finger off the D string — that open B is the major 7th that turns C into Cmaj7.
Let the open strings ring
The open Cmaj7 depends on three open strings (G, B, e) ringing cleanly. Arch your fingers so they don't accidentally mute them.
Avoid the low E
In the open shape, the low E is not played. Aim your strum to start cleanly from the A string.
Use it in place of C
Cmaj7 sounds great as a substitute for C in folk, ballads, bossa nova, and soft pop. Try it anywhere a plain C feels too bright.
Move the barre shapes
The A-shape at fret 3 and E-shape at fret 8 are fully moveable — slide them up or down to play any major 7th chord.
Jazz turnaround
Cmaj7 → Am7 → Dm7 → G7 is one of the most-used progressions in jazz and lounge music. Try cycling these four shapes.
About the Cmaj7 Chord on Guitar
The Cmaj7 chord is built from four notes: C, E, G, and B. It is the C major triad with an added major 7th, giving the chord a warm, dreamy, slightly bittersweet quality. Cmaj7 appears constantly in jazz, bossa nova, soul, R&B, and soft pop — anywhere a richer, more colourful version of C is wanted. This page covers five voicings, from the easy two-finger open shape (a common substitute for the full C chord) all the way to advanced barre and Drop 2 jazz voicings. Every diagram is interactive and playable with real acoustic guitar sound.
- 015 Cmaj7 chord shapes from beginner to advanced
- 02Interactive diagrams — click Play to hear each chord
- 03Real acoustic guitar sound via audio engine
- 04Open position, barre, D-shape, and Drop 2 jazz voicings
- 05Difficulty rating on every shape
- 06Free — no sign-up or download needed
ANATOMY
Chord Tones
The 4 notes that form the C Major 7th chord and their role in the major scale.
Every major chord follows this same formula — root, major third, perfect fifth.