Guitar arpeggio
C Major 7 Guitar Arpeggio
C Major 7 is a four-note seventh-chord arpeggio built from C, E, G, and B. It is also commonly called C Major Seventh and CMaj7. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- C, E, G, B
- Formula
- 1 3 5 7
- Semitones
- 0 4 7 11
- Chord symbols
- Cmaj7, CM7
- Also called
- C Major SeventhCMaj7
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent C root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the C root notes and connect the remaining major 7 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called C Major Seventh or CMaj7.
Chord construction and defining tones
C major 7 is defined most clearly by 3 (E) and 7 (B). The major third sets the chord quality, while the major seventh adds its close, unresolved pull toward the root.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over Cmaj7 and major-key tonic or major-seventh chords where the natural seventh is present.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the C Major 7 arpeggio from one C root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Connect 3 (E) and 7 (B) through multiple positions, resolving the major seventh upward to the nearest root.
- Improvise over Cmaj7 and place the major seventh on a weak beat before resolving it to the root.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with C Major 7 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard