The C7 chord (C7) is made of the notes C, E, G and Bb. It is built from the root C with a major third, a perfect fifth and a minor seventh.
The dominant seventh chord creates a tension that wants to resolve to the chord a fourth higher; it is everywhere in blues, jazz and rock.
C7
Notes: C – E – G – Bb
Guitar — positions on the neck
Piano — root position and inversions
Fingerings and positions
On guitar, this chord can be played in 5 ways along the neck. The lowest shape is an open chord (no barre), easier for beginners. Example fingering (from the low E string to the high E string, x = muted string): x32310. On piano, the right hand plays 4 notes, in root position or in an inversion.
Notes and intervals
Note
Interval
C
root
E
major third
G
perfect fifth
Bb
minor seventh
In which keys? The C7 chord is the V7 of F major and the VII7 of D minor.
The notes of the C7 chord (C7) are C, E, G and Bb.
How do you play the C7 chord on guitar?
On guitar, this chord can be played in 5 ways along the neck. The lowest shape is an open chord (no barre), easier for beginners. Example fingering (from the low E string to the high E string, x = muted string): x32310.
How is the C7 chord built?
The C7 chord (C7) is made of the notes C, E, G and Bb. It is built from the root C with a major third, a perfect fifth and a minor seventh.