C7 Chord (C dominant 7th) on Guitar
C7 (C dominant 7th) is made of the notes C – E – G – Bb. The easiest guitar fingering is x35350 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
How to play C7
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3 (C).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 5 (G).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 3 (Bb).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 5 (E).
- Play the 1st string (high e) open (E).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 3 | C | R |
| 4th string (D) | 5 | G | 5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 3 | Bb | b7 |
| 2nd string (B) | 5 | E | 3 |
| 1st string (high e) | 0 (open) | E | 3 |
What is a C dominant 7th chord?
A dominant 7th chord adds a minor seventh to a major triad. It is the chord that naturally sits on the fifth degree of a major key.
Notes and formula. C7 contains C, E, G, Bb. Counted from the root C, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), b7 (minor 7th).
Sound. Bluesy and unresolved. It pulls strongly toward the chord a fourth above, which is why it feels like "the next chord is coming".
Where it is used. Dominant 7ths are the backbone of blues (every chord in a 12-bar blues can be a 7th), plus rock and roll, funk, jazz and country turnarounds.
Tips for playing C7
Most dominant 7th shapes are an open or barre major chord with one finger lifted or moved. Practise changing between the major and the 7th to hear the change.
Common mistake: Confusing the 7th with the major 7th. The dominant 7th is bluesy; the major 7th is smooth and dreamy.
Keys that contain C7
C7 is a diatonic chord, meaning it occurs naturally without accidentals, in these keys:
Try it in a progression: browse chord progressions for every key.
Scales to play over C7
Related chords
C7 chord FAQ
What notes are in a C7 chord?
C7 (C dominant 7th) contains the notes C, E, G, Bb. The formula is R–3–5–b7 relative to the root C.
How do you play C7 on guitar?
The most common shape for C7 is x35350, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Is C7 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Which keys contain C7?
C7 is a diatonic chord in F major (V), D minor (VII).
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