Cmaj7

Definition

The cmaj7 chord, or C major seventh chord, is a four-note chord that consists of the root note C, the major third E, the perfect fifth G, and the minor seventh B. This chord creates a rich and full sound that is often used in various musical genres to add color and depth to harmonic progressions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The cmaj7 chord is constructed using the first, third, fifth, and seventh notes of the C major scale.
2. In its root position, the notes are played as C (root), E (major third), G (perfect fifth), and B (minor seventh) from bottom to top.
3. cmaj7 can be inverted; its first inversion has E as the lowest note (E, G, B, C), its second inversion has G as the lowest note (G, B, C, E), and its third inversion has B as the lowest note (B, C, E, G).
4. This chord is frequently used in jazz music due to its added harmonic complexity compared to basic triads.
5. The sound of cmaj7 can evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia, making it popular in various styles including pop and R&B.

Review Questions

• How does the cmaj7 chord differ from a standard major chord in terms of structure and sound?
  • The cmaj7 chord differs from a standard major chord primarily because it includes an additional note: the minor seventh. While a standard major chord consists only of three notes—the root, major third, and perfect fifth—the cmaj7 adds the minor seventh note, which creates a richer sound. This additional note contributes to its distinctive character, making it more complex and versatile in musical contexts.
• Discuss the importance of inversions in playing the cmaj7 chord and how they affect its harmonic function in progressions.
  • Inversions of the cmaj7 chord are essential for creating smooth voice leading in harmonic progressions. By changing which note is in the bass position—C, E, G, or B—the inversion allows for smoother transitions between chords. Each inversion also provides a different texture and can alter how the chord resolves to other chords in a progression, affecting overall harmony and emotional impact.
• Evaluate how cmaj7 can be utilized in various musical genres and its role in enriching harmonic progressions.
  • The cmaj7 chord serves as a versatile tool across many genres such as jazz, pop, and R&B. In jazz music, it is frequently used to add depth and complexity to progressions due to its rich sound. In pop music, cmaj7 provides a warm and inviting atmosphere that enhances emotional expression. Its ability to blend with other chords while still maintaining distinctiveness allows musicians to create more intricate harmonic landscapes and explore different emotional nuances within their compositions.

Related terms

Major Chord: A three-note chord made up of a root note, a major third, and a perfect fifth.

Seventh Chord: A four-note chord that includes the root, third, fifth, and seventh degrees of the scale.

Inversion: The rearrangement of the notes in a chord so that a note other than the root is the lowest note.