Guitar arpeggio
C# Minor-Major 7 Guitar Arpeggio
C# Minor-Major 7 is a four-note seventh-chord arpeggio built from C#, E, G#, and B#. It is also commonly called C# Minor Major 7 and C#mMaj7. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- C#, E, G#, B#
- Formula
- 1 b3 5 7
- Semitones
- 0 3 7 11
- Chord symbols
- C#mMaj7, C#mM7
- Also called
- C# Minor Major 7C#mMaj7
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 minor-major 7 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called C# Minor Major 7 or C#mMaj7.
Chord construction and defining tones
C# minor-major 7 is defined by b3 (E) and 7 (B#). The minor third and major seventh combine minor quality with a strong leading-tone pull.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over C#mMaj7, minor chords with a natural seventh, and tonic-minor sounds drawn from harmonic or melodic minor.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the C# Minor-Major 7 arpeggio from one C# root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Alternate b3 (E) and 7 (B#) against the root and hear the contrast between the minor third and major seventh.
- Improvise over C#mMaj7 and resolve the major seventh upward while keeping the minor third prominent.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with C# Minor-Major 7 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard