Skip to main content

C7(Dominant 7th Chord)

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

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

🎹 C7 on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the C7 chord.

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

🎸 C7 on Guitar

The C7 chord uses notes C, E, G, A#. 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 3rd4E
5thPerfect 5th7G
7thMinor 7th (♭7)10A#

About the C Dominant 7th Chord

The C7 chord (C Dominant 7th) consists of 4 notes: C, E, G, A#. 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, E, G, A#.

Playing C7 on Piano

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

Common Chord Progressions Using C7

  • I–IV–V: C7 – F7 – G7 (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: C7 – G – Am – F (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: C7 – Am – F – G (50s progression)

The C7 Chord in Context

As a dominant 7th chord, C7 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
Cm
Minor
Cmaj7
Major 7th
Cm7
Minor 7th
Cdim
Diminished
Caug
Augmented

Dominant 7th Chord in All 12 Keys

C7C#7D7D#7E7F7F#7G7G#7A7A#7B7
🎹 Virtual Piano
Play C7 on piano
🎸 Virtual Guitar
See on the fretboard
🎵 C Scale
Notes that fit C7
🎶 Songs
Find songs using C7

FAQ

C7 Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the C7 chord?
The C Dominant 7th chord contains: C, E, G, A#. These notes are derived by applying the dominant 7th interval formula (0–4–7–10 semitones) to the root note C.
What is the C7 chord used for?
A major triad with a minor seventh. Creates harmonic tension that resolves to the tonic. The C7 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 C7 on piano?
On piano, play C, E, G, A# simultaneously. In root position, C is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has E lowest, second inversion has G lowest.
How many notes are in a dominant 7th chord?
A dominant 7th chord has 4 notes: C, E, G, A# (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–E–G) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound. The C minor chord (C–D#–G) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.
What key does C7 belong to?
C7 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 C7 on ukulele?
Yes. The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The C7 chord notes (C, E, G, A#) 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 C7?
In the key of C major, C7 pairs naturally with F major (IV), G major (V), and Am (vi). The classic I–IV–V (C7–F–G) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.
What is a chord inversion of C7?
An inversion places a non-root note in the bass. C7 root position: C in bass. First inversion: E 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 C7: 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.