major 7 scales

all major 7 scales in one place

The major 7 chord consists of the root, major 3rd, 5th, and major 7th. Any scale or mode which
contains these 4 notes will sound consonant (good) when played over a major 7th chord.
Over C major 7, you can play any of the following scales:
C major
CDEFGAB

C lydian (major scale with sharp 4th)

C D E F# G A B

pentatonic I (C pentatonic)
CDEGA

pentatonic V (G pentatonic)
GABDE

pentatonic II (D pentatonic)
D E F# A B

C major blues scale

C D Eb E G A

C major bebop scale (8 notes)

C D E F G G# A B

C harmonic-major scale
C D E F G Ab B

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... and any other scale which has C E G B in it.

You can also invent your own modes (a great way of developing your own individual sound). All you
need to do is make sure the chordal tones of your scale (1 3 5 7) are the same as the chord symbol
you want to play over. Other than that, you can be as colorful as you like.

Related articles:
what scales can I play over a minor 7 chord?
what scales can I play over a dominant 7 chord?
Click here for more scales

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