C Major 7th

Cmaj7

Notes

C · E · G · B

Intervals

  • RootC (1P)
  • Major 3rdE (3M)
  • Perfect 5thG (5P)
  • Major 7thB (7M)

Fretboard

EBGDAE357912EGBCEBCEGBGBCEGEGBCBCEGEGBCE

About

The C major 7th (C–E–G–B) adds a major seventh to the major triad. Unlike the dominant 7 there is no tritone — the B sits a half step below the root, creating a gentle, unresolved shimmer rather than a strong directional pull. This makes maj7 a tonic or subdominant color, used to add sophistication without urgency. The major 7th interval itself is the defining tone; the fifth can be omitted. On guitar, shell voicings (1–3–7) are efficient and common in jazz. The half step between B and the root is part of the appeal — a tension that does not demand resolution. Compared to C7, maj7 is relaxed and expansive; compared to C, more harmonically lit-from-within.

Open in visualizer →

Adjust labels, frets, and palette in the interactive view.