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C#7(Dominant 7th Chord)

A major triad with a minor seventh. Creates harmonic tension that resolves to the tonic.

Notes
C# – F – G# – B
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 4 – 7 – 10
Type
7th Chord

🎹 C#7 on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the C#7 chord.

R
C#(Root (R))
2
F(Major 3rd)
3
G#(Perfect 5th)
4
B(Minor 7th (♭7))

🎸 C#7 on Guitar

The C#7 chord uses notes C#, F, G#, B. Build a voicing by finding these notes on any strings — root on the 6th string is a common starting point for barre chord shapes.

Interval Analysis

DegreeInterval NameSemitonesNote in C#
RootRoot (R)0C#
3rdMajor 3rd4F
5thPerfect 5th7G#
7thMinor 7th (♭7)10B

About the C# Dominant 7th Chord

The C#7 chord (C# Dominant 7th) consists of 4 notes: C#, F, G#, B. A major triad with a minor seventh. Creates harmonic tension that resolves to the tonic.

To build any dominant 7th chord, apply intervals of 0, 4, 7, 10 semitones above the root. Starting from C#: the notes land on C#, F, G#, B.

Playing C#7 on Piano

Press C#, F, G#, B simultaneously. In root position, C# is lowest. First inversion places F in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses G# as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using C#7

  • I–IV–V: C#7 – F#7 – G#7 (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: C#7 – G# – A#m – F# (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: C#7 – A#m – F# – G# (50s progression)

The C#7 Chord in Context

As a dominant 7th chord, C#7 is the tonic (I) in the key of C# major. It also appears as the IV chord in G# major, and as the V chord in F# major — making it one of the most important chords across all of Western music.

Other C# Chords

C#
Major
C#m
Minor
C#maj7
Major 7th
C#m7
Minor 7th
C#dim
Diminished
C#aug
Augmented

Dominant 7th Chord in All 12 Keys

C7C#7D7D#7E7F7F#7G7G#7A7A#7B7
🎹 Virtual Piano
Play C#7 on piano
🎸 Virtual Guitar
See on the fretboard
🎵 C# Scale
Notes that fit C#7
🎶 Songs
Find songs using C#7

FAQ

C#7 Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the C#7 chord?
The C# Dominant 7th chord contains: C#, F, G#, B. These notes are derived by applying the dominant 7th interval formula (0–4–7–10 semitones) to the root note C#.
What is the C#7 chord used for?
A major triad with a minor seventh. Creates harmonic tension that resolves to the tonic. The C#7 chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of C# major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.
How do you play C#7 on piano?
On piano, play C#, F, G#, B simultaneously. In root position, C# is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has F lowest, second inversion has G# lowest.
How many notes are in a dominant 7th chord?
A dominant 7th chord has 4 notes: C#, F, G#, B (in C#). It is a 7th chord, extending beyond the basic triad.
What is the difference between C# major and C# minor?
The C# major chord (C#–F–G#) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound. The C# minor chord (C#–E–G#) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.
What key does C#7 belong to?
C#7 naturally serves as the I chord in the key of C# major. It also appears as IV in the key of G# major, and as V in the key of F# major.
Can I play C#7 on ukulele?
Yes. The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The C#7 chord notes (C#, F, G#, B) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.
What chords go well with C#7?
In the key of C# major, C#7 pairs naturally with F# major (IV), G# major (V), and A#m (vi). The classic I–IV–V (C#7–F#–G#) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.
What is a chord inversion of C#7?
An inversion places a non-root note in the bass. C#7 root position: C# in bass. First inversion: F in bass. Second inversion: G# in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.
How do I memorize the notes in a dominant 7th chord?
Remember the formula: 0–4–7–10 semitones from root. For C#7: start on C#, add 4 semitones, then 7 semitones, then 10 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any dominant 7th chord.