Question 1

What notes are in C#maj7?

Accepted Answer

C#maj7 is C# – E# – G# – B#. A major third at the bottom is what makes this bright and settled.

Question 2

Which keys does C#maj7 belong to?

Accepted Answer

Every note of C#maj7 fits the scale of Db (I), Ab (IV). The numeral says which degree the chord sits on, so the same chord does a different job in each of those keys — a I feels like home, a V pulls back towards it.

Question 3

How is C#maj7 used in a song?

Accepted Answer

One common place is Db, in the progression I – V – vi – IV — C#maj7 – Ab – Bbm – Gb. Play those four in a loop and the role of C#maj7 becomes obvious: you can hear where it wants to go next.

Question 4

How many inversions does C#maj7 have?

Accepted Answer

3, plus root position. An inversion moves the lowest note up an octave, which keeps the chord the same but changes which note is in the bass — the usual reason is to get from one chord to the next without moving your hand far.

C#maj7 piano chord — the keys, the inversions, the theory

C#maj7

Inversions of C#maj7

Keys that contain C#maj7

Questions