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Chord chart for C7 Guitar Chord (C dominant 7th): Notes, Shapes & How to Play | Guitar Wiz

C dominant 7th guitar shapes

Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions

Showing 8 of 80 playable shapes

C dominant 7th guitar chord diagram showing fretboard positions
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About the chord

C dominant 7th guitar chord

C7 is the C dominant 7th guitar chord. It uses the notes C, E, G, and B♭ and the interval formula 1-3-5-♭7.

The C dominant 7th dominant 7th chord, formed by adding a minor seventh B♭ to the major triad, creates tension that seeks resolution, typically to the tonic. The combination of the major third E and minor seventh B♭ provides a bluesy, soulful feel, making it essential in jazz, blues, and classical cadences.

Also written as Cdom7.

Root note: C
Quality: dominant 7th
Chord tones: 4
Playable shapes: 80

Chord tones

CEGB♭

Common guitar voicings

These are quick-start shapes for players who want the answer first and the deeper theory second.

Shape 1

x32310

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  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string.
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string.
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string.
  4. 4 Place the 4th finger on the 3rd fret of the 3rd string.
  5. 5 Strum from the 5th string down.

Shape 2

x35353

View shape
  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st string, 3rd string, and 5th string in barre position.
  2. 2 Place the 3rd finger on the 5th fret of the 4th string.
  3. 3 Place the 4th finger on the 5th fret of the 2nd string.
  4. 4 Strum from the 5th string down.

Notes & Intervals

Each note below shows how the chord is built from its root. This is the theory layer underneath the fretboard shapes.

C Unison (Root) 1

The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.

E Major Third 3

This note defines the chord's major quality and brings brightness to the sound.

G Perfect Fifth 5

The fifth reinforces stability and gives the chord its strong harmonic frame.

B♭ Minor Seventh ♭7

The minor seventh adds bluesy or jazzy tension that wants to move onward.

Quick answers

What notes are in C7?

C7 uses the notes C, E, G, and B♭. Its interval formula is 1-3-5-♭7.

What is another name for C7?

C7 is also written as Cdom7.

How do you play C7 on guitar?

Place the 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string. Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string. Place the 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string. Place the 4th finger on the 3rd fret of the 3rd string. Strum from the 5th string down.

Related Articles

Articles that reference this chord and explain how to use it in your playing.