How to Play the C7 Chord on Guitar

In the following lesson, you will learn how to play the C7 chord on guitar.  This lesson will cover advanced versions of this chord.  If you would like to learn and easier version, follow this link for an easy C7 chord for  beginners.The C7 Chord (also known as the Dominant C 7th Chord, C Dominant 7) is built from the notes of the C Major Scale: C D E F G A B C. We take the 1, 3, 5 and b7 positions of this scale, or the notes : C, E, G and Bb.

The “b7” symbol means that we take the 7th position of this scale and flatten it by 1/2 step, giving us our “Bb”.

So the notes of the C7 Chord again are: C, E, G and Bb

Here is a key that will help you read the chart:

Everything on the above chart should be self explanatory, except for the last three in the third column. They may need a bit of explaining. The O, or open symbol, simply means that you do not press down on any notes on that string. The X means you do not strum that particular string. The Barre symbol means you need to barre that particular fret. When you barre a fret you are pressing down on multiple strings at the same time with one finger.

Chord Playing Tip: Be sure that you are pressing down on the string hard enough. You should play each string one at a time to make sure you have a nice clean sound. If any of the strings buzz or sound muted, then something is not right.

C7 Guitar Chord Video

The video below will demonstrate how to play two versions of the C7 chord.  Both are barre chords that are played on the 3rd and 8th frets.