C Major Seventh Bass Arpeggio
Bass arpeggio — fretboard diagram
C Major Seventh Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: C, E, G, B
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5P, 7M
Formula: 2W-WH-2W
Number of notes: 4
Also known as: maj7, Δ, ma7, M7, Maj7, ^7
The C Major Seventh arpeggio contains 4 notes (C, E, G, B). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the C Major Seventh Arpeggio
Play the C Major Seventh arpeggio whenever a C Major Seventh chord appears in a progression. Unlike scales (which include passing tones), arpeggios guarantee every note you play IS a chord tone, making your solo sound harmonically precise and intentional.
Arpeggio vs. Scale
The C Major Seventh arpeggio uses 4 notes (C, E, G, B) while the full scale uses 7. The arpeggio is a subset — think of it as the skeleton of the scale. Practice alternating between the arpeggio and the full scale to develop a melodic vocabulary that mixes chord tones with passing tones.
How to Play C Major Seventh Arpeggio on Bass
On bass, locate C on the A string at fret 3. Span the 4 notes (C, E, G, B) across two to three strings using one finger per fret. Focus on even tone production between plucked strings and smooth position shifts.
The C Major Seventh arpeggio outlines a C major chord and works perfectly over C, Cmaj7, C6 harmonies. It is a foundational arpeggio for soloing over major-key progressions and emphasizes the bright, resolved character of the major triad.
Practice Routine
Practice the C Major Seventh arpeggio in different octaves, starting low and working up. Then try displacing the octaves — play the root low, the E an octave higher, and continue leaping. This trains your ear to hear the intervals (1P, 3M, 5P, 7M) in any register.
Bass Tips
Practice the C Major Seventh arpeggio on bass using a raking technique across adjacent strings for a smooth, flowing sound. Then try the same shape with a two-finger alternating pluck for a more defined, punchy articulation.