C7 guitar chord (C Dominant Seventh)

Symbols: 7

Steps: 1-3-5-b7

Notes: C-E-G-Bb

The C 7 chord is a dominant seventh chord, known for its bold, bluesy character. Built from the notes C, E, G and Bb, it includes the root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh. This chord creates tension and drive in progressions, making it perfect for jazz, blues, and rock music. Below, you'll find ten variations how to play the "C 7" chord, each featuring finger placements and an audio sample.

Variation 1

Place your index finger on the B (2nd) string at the 1st fret and press down
Position your pinky on the G (3rd) string at the 3rd fret and press down
Press the D (4th) string on the 2nd fret with your middle finger
With your ring finger, press down on the A (5th) string at the 3rd fret
Now, strum all the strings starting from the 5th string

Variation 2

With your pinky, press down on the E (1st) string at the 3rd fret
Use your index finger to press the B (2nd) string down on the 1st fret
Press the G (3rd) string on the 3rd fret with your ring finger
Place your middle finger on the D (4th) string at the 2nd fret and press down
Now, strum all the strings starting from the 4th string

Variation 3

Place your index finger on the B (2nd) string at the 1st fret and press down
Position your pinky on the G (3rd) string at the 3rd fret and press down
Press the D (4th) string on the 2nd fret with your middle finger
With your ring finger, press down on the A (5th) string at the 3rd fret
Strum from the 5th string to the 2nd strings

Variation 4

Apply a barre with your index finger across the 3rd fret, covering the 1st to the 5th strings
Place your pinky on the B (2nd) string at the 5th fret and press down
Use your ring finger to press the D (4th) string down on the 5th fret
Now, strum all the strings starting from the 5th string

Variation 5

Press the E (1st) string on the 6th fret with your middle finger
Apply a barre with your index finger across the 5th fret, covering the 2nd to the 4th strings
Now, strum all the strings starting from the 4th string

Variation 6

Barre the 8th fret with your index finger, extending over the 1st to the 4th strings
With your middle finger, press down on the G (3rd) string at the 9th fret
Now, strum all the strings starting from the 4th string

Variation 7

Press down on the B (2nd) string at the 8th fret using your ring finger
Use your pinky to press the G (3rd) string down on the 9th fret
Position your middle finger on the D (4th) string at the 8th fret and press down
With your index finger, press down on the low E (6th) string at the 8th fret
Now, strum all the strings up to the 2nd string, mute the 5th string