C major seventh (Cmaj7) chord on piano

Major seventh chord (a major triad plus a major seventh) on C: the notes of the Cmaj7 chord are C – E – G – B.

Root position: C4 – E4 – G4 – B4

What the Cmaj7 chord sounds like

The major seventh chord sounds soft, dreamy and a little jazzy. The major seventh sits a half step below the root, so it rubs gently against it without needing to resolve.

Notes of the Cmaj7 chord

Degree	Note	Interval from the root
1	C	root
3	E	major third (4 semitones)
5	G	perfect fifth (7 semitones)
7	B	major seventh (11 semitones)

Root position and inversions

An inversion uses the same notes, with a different note at the bottom. When you change chords, choosing the nearest inversion keeps your hand almost still.

Root position

C4 – E4 – G4 – B4

1st inversion

E4 – G4 – B4 – C5

2nd inversion

G4 – B4 – C5 – E5

3rd inversion

B4 – C5 – E5 – G5

Which keys is it in?

The Cmaj7 chord is built from the notes of these keys (for minor keys, both the natural and the harmonic minor are considered):

C major: Imaj7 (tonic)
G major: IVmaj7 (subdominant)
A minor: IIImaj7
E minor: VImaj7

Similar chords and substitutes

If Cmaj7 is too hard, or you want a different colour in the same spot, these chords are worth a try.

Substitutes (by function)

Am7 – relative minor seventh: three shared notes
Em7 – mediant minor seventh: three shared notes
C6 – another tonic colour, more vintage and swingy

Simpler versions

C – all 3 of its notes are in this chord

Richer versions

Cmaj9 – the same chord plus 1 colour note

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the Cmaj7 chord?

C, E, G, B. The root is C; the intervals of the other notes from the root: major third, perfect fifth, major seventh.

How do I play the Cmaj7 chord on piano?

In root position, the right hand usually plays with fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb, middle finger, little finger); four-note chords with fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5. The left hand mirrors this: 5, 3, 1. In an inversion the top or bottom note moves to the other side, so your hand moves less when you change chords.

How is the Cmaj7 chord written?

The chord symbol is Cmaj7, and its full name is C major seventh.