How to Play a C7 Chord on Guitar – Easy C Dominant Seventh Guitar Chord
Welcome to our tutorial on the fascinating C 7 chord. This powerful chord belongs to the Dominant Chords family, a group of chords known for their tension and resolution characteristics. The C 7 chord is built from the notes C, E, G, and Bb, following the intervals 1, 3, 5, and b7.
These intervals correspond to the Root, Major Third, Perfect Fifth, and Minor Seventh, respectively. Understanding these fretboard intervals is crucial for mastering the C 7 chord and other similar chords. If you're interested in learning more about how these intervals work together to create a chord, check out our tutorial on building chords by stacking intervals.
The C 7 chord, like other dominant chords, is often used in jazz chord progressions, but you'll also find it in various genres of music. It's a versatile chord that can add a touch of complexity to your music. If you're new to dominant chords, our tutorial on dominant (7) guitar chords can provide a comprehensive overview.
Learning to play the C 7 chord involves understanding chord diagrams and fretboard patterns that show the tones composing the chord. Our tutorial on guitar chords of all types can be a great reference for this. You may also find our tutorial on how to denote chords based on the intervals that compose them useful.
Whether you're an intermediate player or a beginner looking to advance, mastering the C 7 chord can open up new possibilities in your playing. We look forward to guiding you in this journey.
Notes in the C 7 chord:
Formula of the Dominant Seventh chord:
How To Play The C Dominant Seventh chord on guitar
Chord boxes are sorted from the easiest to the hardest. Learn how to read chord diagrams.
If you have difficulties with bar chord shapes, check the Bar Chords Tips tutorial.
You can also use this accessible chords page with written diagrams instruction.
Position 1
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Position 2
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Position 3
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Position 4
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Position 5
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Position 7
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Position 8
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Position 9
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Position 10
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Position 11
Open
Position 12
Barre
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Position 13
Barre
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Position 14
Barre
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Position 15
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Position 16
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Position 17
Barre
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FAQ
What notes make up the C7 chord on guitar?
The C7 chord is composed of four specific notes: C, E, G, and Bb. These notes correspond to the Root, Major Third, Perfect Fifth, and Minor Seventh intervals, respectively, when built from the root note C.
Why is the C7 chord referred to as a 'dominant chord'?
The C7 chord belongs to the 'Dominant Chords family' because it possesses a distinctive tension that inherently seeks resolution. This characteristic tension-and-resolution quality is what defines dominant chords in music theory.
What is the significance of the 'b7' (minor seventh) interval in the C7 chord?
The 'b7' or minor seventh interval (Bb in the case of C7) is a crucial component that gives the chord its dominant quality. It's built on the intervals 1, 3, 5, and b7, and this specific minor seventh interval creates the tension that dominant chords are known for.
In what musical contexts or genres is the C7 chord commonly used?
The C7 chord is a versatile chord frequently found in jazz chord progressions due to its inherent tension and resolution capabilities. Beyond jazz, you'll also encounter it in various other music genres where it's used to add complexity and harmonic interest.