How to play the Cmaj7#5 chord on guitar
Unlock the magic of songs like "Wonderwall" and "Blackbird" with this unique chord.
The Cmaj7#5 chord
The Cmaj7#5 chord, pronounced "C major seven sharp five", is a unique and captivating variation of the standard C major seventh chord. Notable for its mysterious and slightly unsettling sound, this chord is formed by raising the fifth note of the Cmaj7 chord by a semitone. The Cmaj7#5 is often used in jazz, fusion, and contemporary music to add harmonic intrigue and tension.
There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common Cmaj7#5 chord. We've also included other versions below.
![Cmaj7#5 guitar chord diagram](/_next/image?url=%2Fguitar%2Fchords%2FCmaj7sharp5.png&w=640&q=75)
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Finger placement for Cmaj7#5 chord
The Cmaj7#5 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 3rd fret of the guitar.
Follow these finger positions to play a Cmaj7#5 chord on your guitar:
- Barre your index finger across all six strings at the 3rd fret.
- Place your middle finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 5th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
To strum this chord, use a downward motion starting from the 6th (low E) string, making sure all notes ring out clearly.
How to play an easy Cmaj7#5 chord on guitar
If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Cmaj7#5 chord, try playing an open C chord (0-3-2-0-1-0) and adding your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd (B) string. This gives you a Cmaj7 chord, which has a similar bright, jazzy sound without the complexity of a barre chord.
How to play a Cmaj7#5 bar chord
Playing the barre chord version of Cmaj7#5 can be a great way to add a bright, jazzy sound to your guitar playing. It's also a good way to build finger strength and dexterity.
Here's how to play a Cmaj7#5 barre chord:
- Place your index finger across all six strings at the 8th fret, creating a barre.
- Place your middle finger on the 9th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 10th fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 10th fret of the 4th (D) string.
- Strum from the 5th (A) string down to the 1st (high E) string.
Common Cmaj7#5 chord progressions
The Cmaj7#5 chord adds a dreamy, ethereal quality to progressions, often evoking feelings of wonder, transcendence, or a bittersweet mix of joy and melancholy. Some common chord progressions featuring Cmaj7#5 include:
- I - Imaj7#5 - vi - V7 (C - Cmaj7#5 - Am - G7)
- Imaj7#5 - ii7 - V7 - I (Cmaj7#5 - Dm7 - G7 - C)
- vi - Imaj7#5 - IV - V (Am - Cmaj7#5 - F - G)
- Imaj7#5 - bVII7 - vi7 - V7 (Cmaj7#5 - Bb7 - Am7 - G7)
- ii7 - V7 - Imaj7#5 - vi (Dm7 - G7 - Cmaj7#5 - Am)
Drills to master the Cmaj7#5 chord
To master the Cmaj7#5 guitar chord, start by practicing the chord progression C - Cmaj7#5 - C. This will help your fingers adapt to the new chord shape and build muscle memory. Focus on smooth transitions between the chords.
Another effective drill is to arpeggiate the Cmaj7#5 chord, playing each note individually in ascending and descending order: C, E, G#, B, G#, E, C. This exercise will improve your dexterity and help you memorize the notes within the chord.
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Songs that feature the Cmaj7#5 chord
Here are 3 popular songs you can play with the Cmaj7#5 chord.
- Sleepwalk by Santo & Johnny (Cmaj7#5, Fm)
- Just the Two of Us by Grover Washington Jr. (Cmaj7#5, Dm7, G7, Em7)
- Lazy Bird by John Coltrane (Cmaj7#5, Dbm7, Dm7, Ebm7, Fm7, Abm7, Am7, Bm7)
How a guitar teacher can help
If you feel stuck in your playing, it might help to take personalized guitar lessons with an expert guitarist. Taking lessons with a pro gives you access to the skills, feedback, and motivation to reach your goals.
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