C♯ major seventh (C♯maj7) chord on piano

Looking for the C♯maj7 chord on piano? It is a major seventh chord (a major triad plus a major seventh), made of four notes: C♯ – E♯ – G♯ – B♯. The same chord with a different spelling: D♭ major seventh (D♭maj7).

Root position: C♯4 – E♯4 – G♯4 – B♯4

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What the C♯maj7 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 C♯maj7 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

C♯4 – E♯4 – G♯4 – B♯4

1st inversion

E♯4 – G♯4 – B♯4 – C♯5

2nd inversion

G♯4 – B♯4 – C♯5 – E♯5

3rd inversion

B♯4 – C♯5 – E♯5 – G♯5

Similar chords and substitutes

If C♯maj7 is too hard, or you want a different colour in the same spot, these chords are worth a try.

Substitutes (by function)

B♭m7 – relative minor seventh: three shared notes
Fm7 – mediant minor seventh: three shared notes
C♯6 – another tonic colour, more vintage and swingy

Simpler versions

C♯ – all 3 of its notes are in this chord

Richer versions

C♯maj9 – the same chord plus 1 colour note

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the C♯maj7 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 C♯maj7 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 C♯maj7 chord written?

The chord symbol is C♯maj7 (also written C#maj7), and its full name is C♯ major seventh.