C Major 7th
Introduction
Notes
C Major 7th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | C4 – E4 – G4 – B4 |
| 1st Inversion | E4 – G4 – B4 – C5 |
| 2nd Inversion | G4 – B4 – C5 – E5 |
| 3rd Inversion | C4 – E4 – G4 – B3 |
Key Signature
The key of C Major 7th has No sharps or flats.
Theory: Intervals
The C Major 7th is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-P5-M7 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-P5-M7 show the distance between each note in the chord.
C Major 7th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the C Major 7th chord?
The C Major 7th chord (Cmaj7) contains four notes: C (root), E (major third), G (perfect fifth), and B (major seventh). Unlike the dominant 7th which uses a minor seventh, the major 7th interval gives this chord its dreamy, sophisticated quality.
How does C Major 7th differ from C Dominant 7th?
Both contain C, E, and G. The difference is the seventh: Cmaj7 has B (major seventh, 11 semitones above root) while C7 has Bb (minor seventh, 10 semitones). That one semitone changes everything — Cmaj7 sounds lush and resolved, C7 sounds tense and wants to move.
How is C Major 7th used in music?
Cmaj7 is the I chord (tonic) in jazz harmony in C Major. It provides a richer, more colourful alternative to a plain C Major triad. It is a staple of jazz, bossa nova, neo-soul, and R&B — any style that values harmonic sophistication over simplicity.
What genres commonly use Major 7th chords?
Major 7th chords are foundational in jazz, bossa nova, neo-soul, R&B, city pop, and lo-fi hip-hop. They also appear in classical impressionism (Debussy, Ravel) and sophisticated pop. The smooth, dreamy quality of the major 7th makes it a signature sound of relaxed, harmonically rich music.
What songs use Major 7th chords?
Major 7th chords appear in The Girl from Ipanema (Jobim), Don't Know Why (Norah Jones), and countless jazz standards. Stevie Wonder's catalogue is filled with major 7th voicings. The chord's warm, sophisticated sound makes it a favourite in singer-songwriter and neo-soul contexts.
Can I substitute C Major 7th for C Major?
Yes — in most contexts, Cmaj7 can replace a plain C Major chord for added colour. The exception is when the melody note is C itself, because C and B (the major seventh) are only a semitone apart and can clash. Check the melody before substituting.
Practice Tips
- Play C Major then add B with your pinky — hear the instant shift from simple to sophisticated. The major seventh adds warmth without tension.
- Compare Cmaj7 (C–E–G–B) with C7 (C–E–G–Bb) — one semitone difference between B and Bb, but completely different character. Cmaj7 is dreamy; C7 is driving.
- Practice Cmaj7 as the I chord in a jazz ii–V–I: Dm7 → G7 → Cmaj7. This is the most important progression in jazz harmony.
- Try different voicings: root position (C–E–G–B), then spread voicing (C–G–B–E) for a more open, modern sound.
- Cmaj7 works beautifully in bossa nova: try Cmaj7 → Dm7 → G7 → Cmaj7 with a gentle syncopated rhythm.
- Be careful when the melody is on C — the semitone clash between B (major seventh) and C (root) can sound harsh. In those moments, use a plain C triad instead.