The short version
- C7 is C seventh. Its notes are C, E, G and B♭ (formula 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7).
- Easiest way to play it: the open shape, frets x 3 2 3 1 0 from low E to high E (x = don’t play).
- It sounds bluesy, restless, waiting to resolve. Use it as the V7 that pulls a song home, or play every chord as a 7th and congratulations, you’re in a 12-bar blues.
- C7 turns up in 2 keys: F major (as the V7) and D minor (as the VII7).
- Try it in: C7 – F7 – C7 – G7, the bones of a 12-bar blues.
How to play C7 on guitar, step by step
Start with the shape marked “Start here” above: the open chord, the easiest way in.
- Put your index finger on fret 1 of the 2nd (B) string.
- Put your middle finger on fret 2 of the 4th (D) string.
- Put your ring finger on fret 3 of the 5th (A) string.
- Put your little finger on fret 3 of the 3rd (G) string.
- Let the high E string ring open.
- Don’t play the low E string: skip it, or touch it lightly with a spare finger so it can’t ring.
- Strum from the 5th (A) string down, then press Strum on this page to check it sounds the same.
Once that’s comfy, try the other 2 shapes. Shape 2 is the barre chord, root on the 5th string (3rd fret): x 3 5 3 5 3. Shape 3 is the barre chord, root on the 6th string (8th fret): 8 10 8 9 8 8. Same chord, different spot on the neck, which helps when the next chord lives nearby.
Buzzing? Press just behind the fret wire, not in the middle of the fret, and come down on your fingertips so they don’t touch the next string. Then press Strum and play along: if yours sounds duller, one string is muted somewhere.
Notes in the C7 chord
C7 is built from 4 notes. On guitar you’ll often play some of them twice, on different strings. That’s normal; the chord is still C7.
| Note | Interval | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| C | 1 root | Names the chord and anchors the bass. |
| E | 3 major third | Makes it major (happy). |
| G | 5 perfect fifth | Adds weight; often the first note left out. |
| B♭ | ♭7 minor (flat) seventh | The bluesy pull towards the next chord. |
What C7 sounds like, and when to use it
A major chord with a flattened seventh on top. It sounds like it’s standing by the door with its coat on: it wants to go somewhere, usually to the chord a fifth below. Blues runs on these. Use it as the V7 that pulls a song home, or play every chord as a 7th and congratulations, you’re in a 12-bar blues.
What key is C7 in?
C7 turns up in 2 keys: F major (as the V7) and D minor (as the VII7). Tap a key to see the rest of its chords on the circle of fifths.
| Key | Numeral | Spelled as |
|---|---|---|
| F major | V7 | C7 |
| D minor | VII7 | C7 |
Chords that go with C7
Here’s a progression to try: C7 – F7 – C7 – G7 (I7–IV7–I7–V7), the bones of a 12-bar blues.
More progressions → Transpose it →
Using C7 in a Suno prompt
Suno pays attention to chord names in a style prompt, at least some of the time. Put the progression in, keep the BPM, and let it fill in the rest. Then compare its guitar part with the shapes above.
Blues rock, 96 BPM, chord progression C7 – F7 – C7 – G7, 12-bar blues shuffle, overdriven electric guitar, walking bass, gritty male vocals, swaggering
C7 chord FAQ
What notes are in the C7 chord?
C7 has 4 notes: C (the root), E (the major third), G (the perfect fifth) and B♭ (the minor (flat) seventh). The chord formula is 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7.
How do you play C7 on guitar?
The easy way is open chord. Strings from low E to high E: x 3 2 3 1 0 (x means don’t play that string). Put your index finger on fret 1 of the 2nd (B) string. Put your middle finger on fret 2 of the 4th (D) string. Put your ring finger on fret 3 of the 5th (A) string. Put your little finger on fret 3 of the 3rd (G) string. Let the high E string ring open. Don’t play the low E string: skip it, or touch it lightly with a spare finger so it can’t ring.
What does the “7” in C7 mean?
It tells you the chord type: C7 is C seventh. A major chord with a flattened seventh on top. It sounds like it’s standing by the door with its coat on: it wants to go somewhere, usually to the chord a fifth below. Blues runs on these.
What key is C7 in?
C7 turns up in 2 keys: F major (as the V7) and D minor (as the VII7). Major keys: F major. Minor keys: D minor.
What is the difference between C7 and Cmaj7?
Both add a seventh to the C major chord. C7 adds B♭, the bluesy flat seventh. Cmaj7 adds B, a semitone higher, which sounds dreamy and jazzy instead.
What chords go well with C7?
Try F, Gm, F7 and G7. The progression C7 – F7 – C7 – G7 (I7–IV7–I7–V7) is the bones of a 12-bar blues. Press Play progression on this page to hear it.
Other dominant 7th chords
Got the chord? Now write the song
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