C major 7 (Cmaj7)

C major without your index finger: the open B string softens everything. A dreamy chord, and easier than C itself.

It’s played in open position, near the nut, and as a barre chord higher up the neck. It’s the home chord of the key of C major; you’ll also find it in G major and F major.

Notes:: C, E, G, B.
Formula:: 1, 3, 5, 7.
Difficulty:: Beginner.
Strings played:: 5 (from the A string).

Chord diagram

e|--0--|
B|--0--|
G|--0--|
D|--2--|
A|--3--|
E|--x--|

Other positions

e|--3--|
B|--5--|
G|--4--|
D|--5--|
A|--3--|
E|--x--|

e|--x--|
B|--8--|
G|--9--|
D|--9--|
A|--x--|
E|--8--|

Common mistakes

Sounds like a plain C? Check that the B string rings open: your index finger has to be lifted.

Sounds muddy? You’re strumming the low E string. Start on the A string.

Variations

C: put your index finger back on the 1st fret of the B string.

e|--0--|
B|--1--|
G|--0--|
D|--2--|
A|--3--|
E|--x--|

Heard in

Dust in the Wind (Kansas) alternates C and Cmaj7 in its fingerpicking pattern.

Often played with

The chords in its key, the ones you hear most often around C major 7.

e|--0--|
B|--1--|
G|--2--|
D|--3--|
A|--x--|
E|--x--|

F major 7IV

e|--1--|
B|--0--|
G|--0--|
D|--0--|
A|--2--|
E|--3--|

G7V

e|--0--|
B|--1--|
G|--0--|
D|--2--|
A|--0--|
E|--x--|

A minor 7vi