C♯m(maj7) Chord

The C♯m(maj7) chord is a minor major seventh chord built on the root note C♯. Its notes are C♯, E, G♯ and B♯. It's enharmonically the same chord as D♭m(maj7).

Minor major seventh chords are unsettling in a beautiful way. A major seventh over a minor triad creates a sharp, unresolved edge best known from spy themes, Hitchcock scores and the darker corners of jazz.

Root

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C♯m(maj7) on piano

Inversion:

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To play C♯m(maj7) on piano, place your right-hand thumb on C♯, then index, middle and little finger on E, G♯ and B♯. Press all keys at the same time and listen for a clear, balanced sound. Practice switching to and from this chord slowly, then with a metronome at a comfortable tempo.

C♯m(maj7) on guitar

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Intermediate

Open

On guitar, C♯m(maj7) is commonly played with the voicing shown above. If the chord contains barred notes, keep your index finger flat across the fretboard and curve the other fingers so they don't mute the open strings. Strum only the strings marked as active in the diagram for the cleanest tone.

Play the chord

C♯m(maj7)

C♯ · E · G♯ · B♯

C♯m(maj7) chord notes

Formula: 1 · ♭3 · 5 · 7Notes: C♯ · E · G♯ · B♯Also known as: D♭m(maj7)

Degree	Interval	Semitones	Note
1	Root	0	C♯(C#)
♭3	Minor third	3	E
5	Perfect fifth	7	G♯(G#)
7	Major seventh	11	B♯(B#)

How to use the C♯m(maj7) chord

The C♯m(maj7) chord is built from a root, a minor third, a perfect fifth and a major seventh. Starting from the root C♯, stack the intervals to get the complete chord: C♯, E, G♯ and B♯. Learning the formula is the fastest way to transpose the chord to any other key.

Minor major seventh chords appear in line cliches, where the top voice of a minor chord walks down from the root through the major seventh. James Bond themes, bossa nova and minor-key jazz ballads are where you meet them.

Common progressions

The C♯m(maj7) chord works beautifully in these progressions. Click a chord name to jump to its page.

Pop progression

I → V → vi → IV

C♯G♯A♯m F♯

Once you are comfortable with C♯m(maj7), explore neighbouring chords to unlock new progressions. The chords below share notes, keys or functions with C♯m(maj7) and are a natural next step in your practice.

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the C♯m(maj7) chord?

The C♯m(maj7) chord contains C♯, E, G♯ and B♯ (C#, E, G# and B# in plain text).

Is the C♯m(maj7) chord major or minor?

C♯m(maj7) is a minor major seventh chord. Minor major seventh chords are unsettling in a beautiful way. A major seventh over a minor triad creates a sharp, unresolved edge best known from spy themes, Hitchcock scores and the darker corners of jazz.

How do you play C♯m(maj7) on piano?

Place your fingers on C♯, E, G♯ and B♯ and play the notes together. On piano, the root is usually played with the little finger of the left hand and the upper notes with the right hand.

How do you play C♯m(maj7) on guitar?

C♯m(maj7) is typically played using the fingering shown in the interactive diagram above. You can also try an open position if one of the chord tones lines up with an open string.

What is another name for the C♯m(maj7) chord?

C♯m(maj7) is enharmonically equivalent to D♭m(maj7). Both chord names describe exactly the same notes, but the spelling depends on the key you are playing in.

Keep exploring

Deepen your understanding of the C♯m(maj7) chord with our other music theory tools.

Browse all chords Explore scales Explore progressions Chord Transposer Chord Finder Try the Piano Open Circle of Fifths