C7 chord (C dominant 7th) on guitar
How to finger C7, which notes it contains and which chords it is played with. Tap the diagram to hear it, then play it below in a progression with other chords.
About the C7 chord
C7 is C dominant 7th. Notes: C – E – Bb. Formula: 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7.
Difficulty: harder than medium (2 out of 3). A stretch or an unfamiliar shape: learn it after the basic chords. The chord is common, especially in blues, rock and pop, so it is worth knowing after the basics.
How to place your fingers
- String 6 (E): do not play
- String 5 (A): fret 3
- String 4 (D): fret 2
- String 3 (G): fret 3
- String 2 (B): fret 1
- String 1 (e): open
Where it appears
C7 is found in these keys: F (V7), C (I7 (blues)), G (IV7 (blues)).
Progressions with C7
Every progression starts on C7 and all its chords come from one key, so the changes sound natural. Play them in the block above; the Roman numerals show each chord's degree.
Try it in practice
Practise chord changes