All 4 ways to play C7 on guitar
-
x32310 open position -
x35353 at the 3rd fret -
xxx556 at the 5th fret -
8-10-8-9-8-8 at the 8th fret
Diagrams: strings run from the lowest on the left; X = don't play, O = open string, numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger).
How to play C7 on guitar
Main shape: x32310 (open position).
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 3rd fret of the A (5th) string.
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 2nd fret of the D (4th) string.
- Put your little finger (4) on the 3rd fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Put your index finger (1) on the 1st fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Let the high E (1st) string ring open (marked O).
- Don't play the low E (6th) string (marked X).
- Strum from the A (5th) string down (5 strings).
C7 notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| C | 1 | root |
| E | 3 | major 3rd |
| G | 5 | perfect 5th |
| B♭ | ♭7 | minor 7th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: C7/E (1st inversion), C7/G (2nd inversion) and C7/B♭ (3rd inversion).
Easier ways to play C7
- Play C instead: it keeps C, E and G and leaves out B♭.
- In rock songs, the C5 power chord (C and G only) can stand in: it has no 3rd, so it is neither major nor minor.
C7 on piano and ukulele
-
C7 on piano C – E – G – B♭ -
C7 on ukulele 0001
Which keys use C7?
C7 is one of the basic chords of 2 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| F major | C7 | V7 | dominant |
| D minor | C7 | VII7 | dominant |
| F minor | C7 | V7 | dominant (harmonic minor) |
Progressions with C7
- ii–V–I in F major: Gm7 – C7 – Fmaj7 A cadence that is extremely common in jazz.
- 12-bar blues in C major: C7 – C7 – C7 – C7 – F7 – F7 – C7 – C7 – G7 – F7 – C7 – G7 Twelve bars of I, IV and V with dominant 7th chords: one of the most prominent progressions in popular music.
- iiø–V–i in F minor: Gm7♭5 – C7 – Fm7 The minor ii–V–i of jazz.