C Dominant 7th Guitar Chord (C7)
C Dominant 7th (C7) is built from C, E, G, Bb, which is the 1P - 3M - 5P - 7m formula measured from the root C. This page shows 4 fingerings with fretboard diagrams.
Fingerings for C7
Notes in C7
- C1P
- E3M
- G5P
- Bb7m
How to play C7
C Dominant 7th Guitar Chord (C7) is tense and unresolved, which is what makes it want to move.
Beginner tip
Mute the strings you do not play — a dominant seventh with a ringing open string loses its pull.
Practice idea
Resolve it down a fifth to the tonic and listen for the tension release.
C7 FAQ
- What notes are in C Dominant 7th?
- C Dominant 7th (C7) contains C, E, G, Bb. In interval terms that is 1P - 3M - 5P - 7m above the root C.
- How do you play C7 on guitar?
- The most common shape here is "C7": low E muted, D at fret 3, B at fret 3.
- Is C7 hard for beginners?
- It sits in the seventh family. Mute the strings you do not play — a dominant seventh with a ringing open string loses its pull.