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C7 Chord

Chord Diagram

C7 dominant 7th chord fingering diagram for guitar. Place your index finger on the first fret of the B string, middle finger on the second fret of the D string, ring finger on the third fret of the A string, and pinky on the third fret of the G string. The low E string is not played, high E string is played open.✕○○○○✕1233EADGBE

X = Don't play this string

O = Play open string

Numbers = Finger placement

Finger Positions

1st Finger (Index)

1st fret of the B string (2nd string)

2nd Finger (Middle)

2nd fret of the D string (4th string)

3rd Finger (Ring)

3rd fret of the A string (5th string) and G string (3rd string)

Pro Tip: The C7 chord adds a bluesy, jazzy sound compared to the regular C major. The 7th (Bb note) creates tension that wants to resolve.

Understanding the C7 Chord

The C7 chord is a dominant seventh chord built from the C major triad (C-E-G) with an added minor seventh interval (Bb). This creates a chord with a distinctive sound that's essential in blues, jazz, and many popular music styles.

Chord Tones

  • • Root: C
  • • Major 3rd: E
  • • Perfect 5th: G
  • • Minor 7th: Bb

Musical Function

  • • Creates tension that resolves to F major
  • • Essential in 12-bar blues progressions
  • • Common in jazz ii-V-I progressions
  • • Adds sophistication to simple chord progressions

C7 Chord Variations

C7 (Open)

Basic open position

x32310

C7 (Barre)

8th fret barre

8-10-8-9-8-8

C7sus4

Suspended fourth

x33310

Common Progressions with C7

C7 - F

Classic dominant to tonic resolution

C7
F

C - C7 - F - Fm

Jazz progression with chromatic movement

C
C7
F
Fm

C7 - F7 - C7 - G7

12-bar blues in C (first 4 bars)

C7
F7
C7
G7

Practice Tips for C7 Chord

Common Mistakes

  • • Not barring the 3rd fret properly
  • • Playing the low E string (6th string)
  • • Muting the high E string accidentally
  • • Not pressing firmly on the 3rd fret barre

Practice Exercises

  • • Practice C to C7 transitions
  • • Try C7 to F major resolution
  • • Practice 12-bar blues pattern
  • • Work on jazz chord progressions

Popular Songs Using C7 Chord

Blue Moon

Various Artists

Intermediate

All of Me

Billie Holiday

Intermediate

Sweet Home Chicago

Robert Johnson

Intermediate

Stormy Monday

T-Bone Walker

Advanced

Georgia on My Mind

Ray Charles

Advanced

Route 66

Nat King Cole

Intermediate
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