Learning The Basics of Guitar
This is a site I created to complement my brother's blog, which is about learning Pop songs on the guitar. This blog is perfect for you if you are a total beginner.
What's the difference between a C7, Cm7 and Cmaj7 chord?
In this post, I will be covering the differences between a C7, Cm7 and Cmaj7 chord. I will choose the C chord because it has the easiest scale with no sharps or flats.
Of course, you can apply the technique that I will be explaining to other chords as well.
First of all, we need to take a look at what the chords are called.
As you would have guessed, a Cmaj7 is called "C major seven" and the Cm7 is called "C minor 7".
How about C7? Well, the proper name to give it is actually "C dominant 7".
Now each of these 3 chords are played differently and I will attempt to explain how to play each of them.
In my previous posts about constructing a major and minor chord, we saw that the formula to take for a major chord is the 1st note, 3rd note, and the 5th note (1, 3 ,5).
And, we saw that the formula to take for a minor chord is the 1st note, flat the 3rd note, and the 5th note (1, b3, 5).
Now, the formula for the major 7 is (1, 3, 5, 7) and the formula for the minor 7 is (1, b3, 5, b7). The formula for the dominant 7 is (1, 3, 5, b7).
Remember these formula because you will use it when constructing a major 7, minor 7 and dominant 7 chord.
Now, let's take the C chord as the title of this post suggests. To play a Cmaj7 we would need 1, 3, 5, 7. The C major scale is C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C. Now we just have to simply count the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th note on the scale. That would give us C, E, G, B. Now, find these notes on your guitar. You will eventually find that one way to play a Cmaj7 chord would be like this:
From the diagram above, we can see that the chord satisfies all the notes that would make it a Cmaj7 chord.
Now, let's try the Cm7 chord. Applying the formula (1, b3, 5, b7), the notes needed for a Cm7 chord would be C, Eb, G, Bb. Try to find these notes on your guitar. You will find that one possible way of playing a Cm7 chord would be like this:
( A# = Bb / D# = Eb)
Notice the notes in the diagram above? They contain the notes needed for a Cm7. Therefore, this is one way of playing a Cm7 chord.
Lastly, the C7 chord. Let's apply the formula (1, 3, 5, b7) and see what we get. It would give you C, E, G, Bb. Likewise, let's find these notes on the guitar. You will find that a possible way to play C7 would be like this:
(A# = Bb)
So, there you go, now you know the difference between a major 7, minor 7 and dominant 7 chord. Remember, you can apply the formula to other chords as well. Have fun figuring out how to play these chords. What I showed above was only one way of playing a Cmaj7, Cm7 and C7 chord. There are many other ways to play those chords mentioned. If you have the time, try finding them out too.
So next time, when you see a song sheet which has major 7, minor 7 or dominant 7 chords in it, don't be afraid. You know exactly how to play them.
Graham Choo at 9:22 AM
14 comments:
AniAugust 26, 2010 at 1:14 AM
I was having a tough time in understanding this concept.
Thanks a lot man. Keep up the good work!
Reply
immuJuly 26, 2011 at 12:25 AM
thanks a lot!! helped big time
Reply
AnonymousDecember 2, 2011 at 1:16 PM
awesome dude.thanks a lottttttttt
Reply
ferozJanuary 19, 2012 at 1:49 PM
IN C7 CHORD ,WHERE IS G IN THE DIAGRAM
Reply
danielJanuary 19, 2012 at 2:32 PM
Very good question! I'm not sure too. I guess because if you add the G note, it will make the chord really hard to play.
So, if you notice for a major or minor chord, the notes that are constant are the root note (C) and the 5th note (G).
So, if you had to play the C7 chord, you could do away with the G note because it is not the note that distinguishes a Cdom7 chord from a Cmaj7 chord etc.
Reply
AnonymousJuly 11, 2012 at 12:53 PM
BTW the A major scale also doesn't have sharps or flats. but thanks, it cleared up alot.
Reply
super programAugust 18, 2012 at 3:02 AM
This website is really helpful for learning music theory! It makes it really easy!
Reply
AnonymousJanuary 2, 2013 at 2:45 AM
Thanks a lot for the help Daniel. You have renewed my interest in learning music theory just by these simple lessons. I can't wait to get home so that I can begin constructing chords. Chord construction really does change the game and empowers musicians. Fantastic work.
Reply
danielJanuary 12, 2013 at 9:46 AM
Hi Anonymous,
an A major scale has 3 sharps: C#, G# and F#
Reply
AnonymousJuly 27, 2013 at 12:58 PM
So, C7 is dominant & Cmaj7 is not.
What's the difference between C & Cmaj (or G & Gmag, F & Fmaj, etc.)?
Joe
Reply
danielJuly 29, 2013 at 11:06 AM
Hi Anonymous,
yes, C dominant 7 and Cmaj7 are both different chords.
As for C and Cmaj, they are both the same chords. Most people just call it "C" because it is easier to write than "Cmaj"
Reply
MicheleSeptember 7, 2013 at 2:11 AM
Thank you!!! You explanation is so easy to follow and makes perfect sense. You are a good teacher.
Reply
Syldave MusicDecember 7, 2013 at 1:23 AM
What confused beginners with major and minor is normally the third defined if major or minor. In the case of a Cmaj7. The "major" word used in the chord name has nothing to do with the third but on the 7th. This brings confusion. think this kind of notation should be completely revised for a more logic notation.
Reply
Syldave MusicDecember 7, 2013 at 1:24 AM
What confused beginners with major and minor is normally the third defined if major or minor. In the case of a Cmaj7. The "major" word used in the chord name has nothing to do with the third but on the 7th. This brings confusion. think this kind of notation should be completely revised for a more logic notation.
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