C7 Guitar Chord
C Dominant 7th · C–E–G–Bb
C7 is the C dominant 7th chord: C–E–G–Bb. Its sound is bluesy and unresolved — the dominant 7th wants to pull somewhere, which is why it powers blues turnarounds and V chords.
C7 is the V7 chord in the key of F, which is where its pull comes from — the ♭7 (Bb) rubs against the major 3rd and demands resolution. In a 12-bar blues in C, every chord (I7, IV7, V7) gets this dominant treatment.
The easiest way to play C7 is the open-position shape (x 3 2 3 1 0, low E string to high E string), which uses open strings and stays in the first few frets. Below you'll find 6 ways to play it across the neck, from open position to barre and shell voicings, with the theory behind the chord and the progressions it lives in.
How to Play C7: 6 Voicings
Frets are listed from the low E string to the high E string. x = don't play that string, 0 = open string.
C7 Chord Theory
| Interval | R | 3 | 5 | ♭7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | C | E | G | Bb |
C7 is built from the C major scale.
C7 Chord FAQ
What notes are in the C7 chord?
C7 contains 4 notes: C (R), E (3), G (5), Bb (♭7). The interval formula for a dominant 7th chord is R–3–5–♭7.
What is the easiest way to play C7 on guitar?
Use the open-position shape: x 3 2 3 1 0 (frets listed from the low E string to the high E string, x = don't play that string). It uses open strings, so it needs the least finger strength.
Is C7 a major or minor chord?
C7 is built on a major triad (C–E–G) with the ♭7 added, so it behaves as a major-family chord.
What keys use the C7 chord?
C7 appears diatonically in C major (as I), G major (as IV), and F major (as V) — plus A minor, its relative minor key.
Related Chords
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