arrow_back Library

C# Dominant 7th Guitar Chord (C#7)

C# Dominant 7th (C#7) is built from C#, E#, G#, B, which is the 1P - 3M - 5P - 7m formula measured from the root C#. This page shows 5 fingerings with fretboard diagrams.

7th
Notes: C# · E# · G# · BIntervals: 1P – 3M – 5P – 7m

Fingerings for C#7

C#7low E at fret 1, A at fret 3, D at fret 1, G muted, B at fret 1, high E at fret 1
C#7low E at fret 1, A at fret 3, D at fret 3, G muted, B at fret 4, high E muted
C#7low E muted, A at fret 1, D at fret 3, G at fret 3, B muted, high E at fret 4
C#7low E muted, D at fret 3, B muted, high E muted
C#7low E muted, A muted, D at fret 1, G at fret 3, B at fret 2, high E muted

Notes in C#7

  • C#1P
  • E#3M
  • G#5P
  • B7m

How to play C#7

C# Dominant 7th Guitar Chord (C#7) 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.

C#7 FAQ

What notes are in C# Dominant 7th?
C# Dominant 7th (C#7) contains C#, E#, G#, B. In interval terms that is 1P - 3M - 5P - 7m above the root C#.
How do you play C#7 on guitar?
The most common shape here is "C#7": low E at fret 1, A at fret 3, D at fret 1, G muted, B at fret 1, high E at fret 1.
Is C#7 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.

Related chords