Also written CaugMaj7, CaugM7 or C+M7
C augmented major 7th contains C, E, G♯, and B. The default voicing at frets 1–0–0–2 is a stretchy but accessible shape.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
C augmented major 7th is built from 1, 3, ♯5, and 7. The augmented 5th, G♯, gives the chord its tense, bright quality. Compare with C major 7th, which has a perfect 5th.
C augmented major 7th works as a passing chord in C major, often resolving to C major 7th. Use it in jazz and fusion for its bright, unstable color.
The G♯ inversion at frets 1–0–0–2 puts the augmented 5th in the bass, creating a tense, floating sound. The B inversion at frets 4–4–4–3 has the major 7th in the bass for a different color.
C augmented major 7th is played in open position as 1 0 0 2: index finger on the G string at fret 1 and middle finger on the A string at fret 2. The C and E strings ring open.
Tip — The index finger must hold fret 1 on the G string while the middle finger reaches fret 2 on the A string without muting the open strings.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (C) | open | — | C (1) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (3) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 2 | B (7) |
C augmented major 7th is played at the 3rd fret as 4 4 4 3: middle finger on the G string at fret 4, ring finger on the C string at fret 4, pinky finger on the E string at fret 4 and index finger on the A string at fret 3.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 2 | B (7) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 3 | E (3) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 4 | G♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 1 | C (1) |
C augmented major 7th is played at the 2nd fret as 5 4 4 2: pinky finger on the G string at fret 5, middle finger on the C string at fret 4, ring finger on the E string at fret 4 and index finger on the A string at fret 2.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5 | 4 | C (1) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 2 | E (3) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 3 | G♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 1 | B (7) |
C augmented major 7th is played in open position as 4 0 4 7: index finger on the G string at fret 4, middle finger on the E string at fret 4 and ring finger on the A string at fret 7. The C string rings open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 1 | B (7) |
| 3 (C) | open | — | C (1) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 2 | G♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 3 | E (3) |
C augmented major 7th is written as C+M7, M7#5, maj+7, or CaugM7. It is also called augmented major seventh or major seventh sharp five.
C major 7th has a perfect 5th, G, while C augmented major 7th raises that note to G♯. This change creates the augmented quality and a more dissonant sound.
The open C and E strings are chord tones, so they are allowed to ring. They provide a bright, open sound that contrasts with the fretted notes.