C7 (C seventh) is built from 4 notes: C, E, G, B♭.
- Croot
- Emajor third
- Gperfect fifth
- B♭minor seventh
Formula: 1, 3, 5, b7
How to play C7 on guitar
x 3 2 3 1 0x 3 5 3 5 38 10 8 9 8 8Read the diagrams with the low E string on the left. × means do not play that string, ○ means play it open.
How to play C7 on piano
Play C, E, G, B♭ together. With your right hand, use fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5 (thumb on C). Your left hand can play C an octave lower for a fuller sound.
Where C7 is used
C7 is the five chord (V7) in the keys of F major and F minor. Its E and B♭ pull toward the notes of the F chord, which is why C7 so often comes right before F or Fm.
To hear the difference the seventh makes, play C and then C7. The extra B♭ adds tension that wants to resolve.
Related chords
Change this chord into another key with the Chord Transposer, or look up any other chord or scale in the Chord and Scale Finder.