Also written CmMaj7, Cminmaj7 or Cmmaj7
C minor major 7th is built from C, E♭, G and B. The 8th-fret shape demands a wide pinky stretch, so it is not a first chord.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
C minor major 7th is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 7. The ♭3 gives it the minor quality, while the major 7th adds a sharp, tense edge. Compare with C minor, which stops at the ♭7.
C minor major 7th works as a passing chord in minor keys, often between C minor and D minor 7th flat 5th. It suits jazz ballads and film-noir textures where the major 7th adds a bittersweet lift.
The 8th-fret voicing puts C in the bass for a clear root position. The B inversion at the 7th fret places the major 7th in the bass, creating a darker, more unstable sound.
C minor major 7th is played at the 8th fret as 8 10 9 8: index finger on the E string at fret 8, pinky finger on the A string at fret 10, ring finger on the D string at fret 9 and middle finger on the G string at fret 8.
Tip — The pinky must reach the 10th fret on the A string while the index holds the 8th fret on the E string.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8 | 1 | C (1) |
| 3 (A) | 10 | 4 | G (5) |
| 2 (D) | 9 | 3 | B (7) |
| 1 (G) | 8 | 2 | E♭ (♭3) |
C minor major 7th is played at the 5th fret as 7 6 5 5: barre your index finger across fret 5, ring finger on the E string at fret 7 and middle finger on the A string at fret 6.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7 | 3 | B (7) |
| 3 (A) | 6 | 2 | E♭ (♭3) |
| 2 (D) | 5 | 1 (barre) | G (5) |
| 1 (G) | 5 | 1 (barre) | C (1) |
C minor major 7th is written Cmmaj7, mmaj7, mM7 or Cminmaj7. It is also called Minor Sharp 7 or Minor ♯7.
C minor major 7th has a major 7th (B), while C minor 7th has a minor 7th (B♭). The major 7th creates a sharper, more dissonant sound.
Yes, in C harmonic minor or C melodic minor, C minor major 7th is the tonic chord. It provides a strong sense of resolution with a distinctive color.