How to play C Dominant 7th on guitar
These shapes are for standard tuning (E A D G B E). The first is the easiest, and the others sit in different positions on the neck. Playing in another tuning? Pick it above the diagrams and the shapes are redrawn for it.
Shape 1: x32310
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 3.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 1.
- Let the 1st string ring open.
- Don't play the 6th string.
Shape 2: 8(10)8988 (from fret 8)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 6th strings at fret 8 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 10.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 9.
Shape 3: 875556 (from fret 5)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 2nd to 4th strings at fret 5 (a barre).
- Press the 6th string (E) at fret 8.
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 7.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 6.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the lowest (thickest) to the highest, with x meaning that string is not played and 0 meaning it rings open.
Notes in C Dominant 7th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| C | 1 (root) |
| E | 3 |
| G | 5 |
| B♭ | ♭7 |
The formula for C Dominant 7th (seventh chord) is 1 3 5 ♭7: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use C7
Dominant 7th chords add bluesy tension and a strong pull towards the chord a fifth below. They are essential in blues, jazz, funk and country, and often lead back to the home chord.
Other C chords
C, Cm, Cmaj7, Cm7, Csus2, Csus4, C°, C+, Cadd9, C6, Cø7
Other dominant 7th chords on guitar
D♭7, D7, E♭7, E7, F7, F♯7, G7, A♭7, A7, B♭7, B7
Frequently asked questions
How do you play C Dominant 7th on guitar?
The easiest C7 shape on guitar is x32310 (Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3. Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2. Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 3. Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 1. Let the 1st string ring open. Don't play the 6th string.)
What notes are in C Dominant 7th?
C Dominant 7th (C7) contains the notes C E G B♭. The formula is 1 3 5 ♭7.
How many guitar shapes are there for C7?
There are many. This page shows 3 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
See C Dominant 7th on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.