Explore chords · Ukulele
C minor major 7th chord on ukulele (CmMaj7)
Also called or written CmMaj7, Cminmaj7, Cmmaj7, CmM7, C Minor Sharp 7 or C Minor ♯7
C minor major 7th contains C, E♭, G, and B. The 5th fret voicing stretches the hand across three frets, making it a challenging grip.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 7
How do you play a C minor major 7th chord on ukulele?
C minor major 7th is played at the 5th fret as 5 7 7 6: index finger on the G string at fret 5, ring finger on the C string at fret 7, pinky finger on the E string at fret 7 and middle finger on the A string at fret 6.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5 | 1 | C (1) |
| 3 (C) | 7 | 3 | G (5) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 4 | B (7) |
| 1 (A) | 6 | 2 | E♭ (♭3) |
AdvancedThe stretch from the 5th fret on the G string to the 7th fret on the C and E strings challenges smaller hands.
Cminmaj7/E♭ inversion
C minor major 7th is played at the 3rd fret as 4 3 3 3: barre your index finger across fret 3 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 4.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 4 | B (7) |
| 3 (C) | 3 | 1 (barre) | E♭ (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 1 (barre) | G (5) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 1 (barre) | C (1) |
Why it sounds like that
C minor major 7th is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 7. The major 7th interval between C and B gives the chord its tense, unresolved quality. Compare it to C minor, which stops at the perfect 5th and sounds settled.
What goes wrong with C minor major 7th?
- Letting the G string buzz because the index finger is not close enough to the fret.
- Muting the A string with the palm while reaching for the 7th fret.
When to use it
C minor major 7th works as a passing chord in C minor progressions, such as C minor–C minor major 7th–C minor 7th. It suits jazz ballads and film noir textures where the raised 7th adds tension. Try it before C minor or C 5th.
Changing to and from C minor major 7th
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 3rd fret gives B♭ minor major 7th.
- From C minor major 7th, lift the pinky and ring finger to move to C minor.
Which voicing to use
The 5th fret voicing keeps C in the bass for a root-position sound. The Cminmaj7/B inversion places B in the bass, creating a darker, leading-tone pull toward C minor.
Other C chords
Common questions
How is C minor major 7th written?
C minor major 7th is written Cmmaj7, Cminmaj7, or CmM7.
What mistake do players make with this shape?
Players often flatten the pinky and mute the E string. Keep the pinky arched and press with the fingertip.
How does C minor major 7th differ from C minor 7th?
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.