The C Major 7th chord is a four-note chord made up of C, E, G, and B. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, and major seventh.
Construction
C Major 7th = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 7th = C · E · G · B
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| C | Root | 1 |
| E | Major 3rd | 3 |
| G | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| B | Major 7th | 7 |
C Major 7th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | C – E – G – B |
| 1st Inversion | E – G – B – C |
| 2nd Inversion | G – B – C – E |
| 3rd Inversion | B – C – E – G |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the C Major 7th is the tonic (I) chord of C Major, whose key signature has no sharps or flats.
Chords in the Key of C Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the C major scale:
How C Major 7th functions in a key
The same chord takes on a different harmonic role depending on the key it appears in. Here is where C Major 7th sits diatonically across the common keys:
- In C major, C Major 7th is the I chord — the tonic.
- In E minor, C Major 7th is the VI chord — the tonic.
- In G major, C Major 7th is the IV chord — a predominant.
- In A minor, C Major 7th is the III chord — a mediant / color chord.
C Major 7th — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the C Major 7th chord on piano?
The C Major 7th chord contains the notes C – E – G – B. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
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.