What is C7?
The C7 guitar chord is formed by the notes C – E – G – Bb and is played using the fingering x32310. It’s a seventh chord commonly used in C7-F.
C7 Chord Diagram
Standard Position
6th (E) string: Don't play
5th (A) string: 3th fret
4th (D) string: 2th fret
3rd (G) string: 3th fret
2nd (B) string: 1th fret
1st (E) string: Open
How to Play C7
- Place fingertips close to the fret wire using the diagram x32310.
- Arch fingers so they don’t touch adjacent strings; keep thumb behind the neck.
- Pick each string to check for buzz or mute; adjust pressure and curl.
- Strum slow down-strums; add down–down–up–up–down–up when clean.
Pro Tip: Practice chord changes with a metronome at 70–90 BPM for one-minute rounds.
C7 Variations
C7sus4
x33310
Suspended 4th version
C7/E
032310
First inversion with E in bass
Popular Songs Using C7
Famous Examples:
- • Fly Me to the Moon
- • Autumn Leaves
More Hits:
- • All of Me
- • Blue Moon
Common Chord Progressions with C7
C7-F
Classic dominant to tonic in F major
F-C7-Bb-F
I-V7-IV-I progression in F major
C7-F-Bb-C7
A popular progression used in many songs
Practice Tips for C7
1. Barre Technique
The 1st finger needs to barre the 1st fret on B and E strings
2. Blues Application
Great for blues and jazz - creates authentic dominant sound
Music Theory Behind C7
Notes in C7: C - E - G - Bb
Scale: C - D - E - F - G - A - Bb - C
Key Signature: No sharps or flats
Relative Major: Am7
C7 is a dominant 7th chord built on the 5th degree of the F major scale. The flat 7th (Bb) creates the characteristic dominant sound that wants to resolve to F major.
Related Chords to Learn
Master C7 Today!
C7 is a stepping stone to advanced playing. Take your time and practice regularly!