About the Cmaj7 chord
To play C major 7th, use the first shape above. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string. Leave the G, C, and E strings open. Strum all four strings and check that each one rings cleanly.
Root
C
Quality
Major 7th
Notes
C · E · G · B
How the Cmaj7 chord works
C
Root(1)
The home note. It gives the chord its name.
E
Major third(3)
The major-third interval that establishes the chord's major base.
G
Perfect fifth(5)
Adds strength and stability.
B
Major seventh(7)
Adds a major seventh above the root.