Cmaj7

Q: What notes are in the Cmaj7 chord?

The Cmaj7 chord (C Major 7) contains: C, E, G, B. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Cmaj7 on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is Cmaj7 found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for Cmaj7?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

C Major 7

Octaves

Musical context

ChordC majorTriad

ChordCmaj7C Major 7

ArpeggioC majorBroken triad

ScaleC major7 notes

KeyC majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: C Major 7
Symbol: Cmaj7
Root: C
Quality: Major 7

Chord notes

1Croot

3Emajor 3rd

5Gperfect 5th

7Bmajor 7th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: ITonic (I)C major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: FF Major GG Major AmA Minor
Unstable degrees: 7B
1C
resolves up to the root
Main resolution: Cmaj7source
GG Major
Major chord C is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions: Cmaj7source
Deceptive resolution
AmA Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Cmaj7source
Modal resolution
A#A# Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Cmaj7source
Jazz reharmonization
Cmaj7C Major 7
In jazz, a major chord is enriched to maj7, 6/9, or add9 and can smoothly transition into a ii-V of another key (modulation).
Cmaj7source
Functional resolution
GG Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Substitutions

Parallel: Cm7C Minor 7
Relative: Am7A Minor 7

Features

Character: Major, with major-7th tension
Characteristic interval: Major 7th (M7)
Description: The major 7th lies a semitone below the octave and creates dissonance without forming a dominant tritone.
Application: I and IV in jazz/pop
Neo-soul, romantic ballads
Light pop