C seventh guitar chord (C7)
The seventh chord (dominant seventh) adds a minor seventh to the major chord. It creates tension that wants to resolve: essential in blues, jazz and rock’n’roll.
Positions and fingerings
Position 1 open position
Position 2 fret 3
Position 3 fret 8
Position 4 fret 10
× muted string · o open string · numbers: fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 pinky)
Chord notes
| Note | Interval |
|---|---|
| C | root |
| E | major third |
| G | perfect fifth |
| B♭ (B flat) | minor seventh |
Formula: 1 – 3 – 5 – b7 · C – E – G – B♭
A progression with this chord
The ii – V – I: the seventh chord (V7) builds tension that resolves to the tonic chord (I).