How to play the C#maj7 chord on guitar

The C#maj7 chord, pronounced "C sharp major seventh," is a rich and dreamy chord that adds a touch of sophistication to any composition. Favored by jazz and neo-soul guitarists, it can be heard in songs like "PYT" by Michael Jackson and "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder. The maj7 interval gives the chord an airy, open quality that's perfect for creating lush harmonic textures.

The most common way to play the C#maj7 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 4th fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a C#maj7 chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 4th fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.

To strum this chord, start from the 5th (A) string and strum downwards, making sure to include all the strings in the chord.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the C#maj7 chord, try playing a three-string version. Place your index finger on the 4th fret of the 5th string, middle finger on the 5th fret of the 4th string, and ring finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string. Strum only these three strings.

The C#maj7 chord is most commonly played in an open voicing, but learning the barre chord version can be useful for playing the chord in different positions up the neck or transitioning between other barre chords.

Here's how to play a C#maj7 bar chord:

1. Place your index finger across the 4th fret, covering all six strings.
2. Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum all six strings from low to high.

The C#maj7 chord is often used in progressions that evoke a dreamy, ethereal, or contemplative mood. These progressions frequently appear in genres such as jazz, R&B, and neo-soul. Some common C#maj7 chord progressions include:

• I - vi - ii - V: (C#maj7 - A#m7 - D#m7 - G#7) Used in "Misty" and "The Girl from Ipanema"
• I - iii - vi - IV: (C#maj7 - E#m7 - A#m7 - F#maj7)
• I - vi - IV - V: (C#maj7 - A#m7 - F#maj7 - G#7)
• I - ii - iii - IV: (C#maj7 - D#m7 - E#m7 - F#maj7)
• I - IV - V - IV: (C#maj7 - F#maj7 - G#7 - F#maj7)

To master the C#maj7 chord, try playing each note individually, focusing on clean execution. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between C#maj7 and other chords you know well. Strum the chord and let it ring out, ensuring all notes sound clearly.

Another helpful drill is to arpeggiate the chord, plucking each note one at a time from lowest to highest pitch (C#, E#, G#, B#). This builds muscle memory and helps you visualize the chord's structure. Gradually increase your speed while maintaining accuracy for best results.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the C#maj7 chord.

1. Love on the Weekend by John Mayer (C#maj7, F#m7, A#m7, G#7)
2. PDA by John Legend (C#maj7, G#7, F#m7, A#m7)
3. I Wish by Stevie Wonder (C#maj7, F#m7, D#m7, G#7)
4. Overjoyed by Stevie Wonder (C#maj7, F#m7, A#m7, G#7)
5. Still Crazy After All These Years by Paul Simon (C#maj7, F#m7, A#m7, G#7)
6. Butterflies by Michael Jackson (C#maj7, F#m7, G#7, A#m7)
7. Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder (C#maj7, F#m7, D#m7, G#7)
8. Knocks Me Off My Feet by Stevie Wonder (C#maj7, F#m7, D#m7, G#7)
9. Golden Lady by Stevie Wonder (C#maj7, F#m7, D#m7, G#7)
10. You and I (We Can Conquer the World) by Stevie Wonder (C#maj7, F#m7, G#7, A#m7)