Difference between C7 and Cmaj7
What is the difference between C7 (dominant seventh) and Cmaj7 (major seventh) — by ear and in theory.
C7 composition
C7 = C E G Bb. The minor seventh (Bb) a semitone below the octave creates tension that "wants" to resolve to F. C7 is the dominant chord in F major.
Cmaj7 composition
Cmaj7 = C E G B. Major seventh (B) — almost an octave. Sound is soft, "floating", without sharp tension. Typical for I or IV chord in jazz and pop.
When to use each?
C7: when you need tension and resolution (V7 → I), blues, dominant cadences. Cmaj7: for soft, romantic sound, I or IV in major, light pop music.
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